Music, preaching in the works for retired Clanton pastor

Roland Davis didn’t grow up dreaming of a pulpit; he had other aspirations.
   
“My first ambition was to be a country music star,” he recalled. 
   
Davis had gotten a taste of country music fame when recording artist Charley Pride included a song written by Davis on his 1972 album, “A Sunshiny Day with Charley Pride.”
   
Davis had written the song Pride chose, “Seven Years with a Wonderful Woman,” for his wife, Carolyn. The album went on to win Favorite Country Album at the 1973 American Music Awards.
   
But even with this honor, Davis felt a call stronger than fame.
   
At 16, Davis had surrendered to the call of full-time ministry. After graduating from Hale County High School, he joined the Army, serving two years during the Korean War. 
   
While in the Army, Davis served as a chaplain’s assistant and believed God might be leading him to become a full-time chaplain. But a call to fill in as pastor in his native Hale County led Davis into the pastorate full time and eventually to Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Clanton, where he served for 25 years.
   
On Jan. 29, one day before his 70th birthday, Davis celebrated his retirement from  the Chilton Association church. More than 350 people attended the retirement celebration, described by Davis as “sort of a roast.” He marked his 25th year as pastor of the church in June 2004. 
  
His years at Liberty Hill Baptist held many highlights for Davis, including three building programs. His tenure saw a new sanctuary, family life center, fellowship hall, education building and offices added to the church.
   
And even while committed to the pastorate, Davis never lost his love for ministry to the military. At Liberty Hill he led eight missions trips to military bases, including three to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. Davis said he considers these opportunities to minister to soldiers and their families some of his favorite times of ministry.
   
Davis also led the church to participate in associational missions.
   
Larry Felkins, director of missions for Chilton Baptist Association, said Davis is a “good personal friend and faithful supporter of the association.” 
   
He said Davis was a faithful participant and leader of associational activities, including the Chilton Baptist Builders. 
   
Davis, who also taught at the Samford extension at the Chilton Baptist Association for 15 years, said he has “given his after-retirement plans to the Lord.” 
   
He looks forward to serving as a supply or interim pastor. And he intends to continue entertaining at banquets with his guitar, singing and humor.
   
Davis said his wife, Carolyn, will continue to teach young married adults in Sunday School at Liberty Hill. 
   
During his years as a pastor, Davis also served several other Alabama Baptist churches, including Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Hale County, Samaria Baptist Church in Jasper, Coaling Baptist Church, Grant’s Creek  Baptist Church near Tuscaloosa and Webb Baptist Church in Dothan. 
   
And the Hale county church that led Davis into full-time ministry? That was Macedonia Baptist Church in Greensboro, the same place where he met Carolyn.   
   
Davis graduated from Samford University in Birmingham and did post-graduate studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. 
   
The Davises have one son and one daughter.