Jan. 21, 2008

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Former UNC men's lacrosse first-team All-America defenseman Ralph (Rip) Thomas Davy, III passed away on January 16, 2008. He was 51. Formerly of Darien, Conn., he has resided in Wilmington for three years. He is survived by his wife Margo and two sons Will and Brooks; also by his mother Nancy Davy; two brothers, Kirk and Brett (also a lacrosse player at UNC from 1986-89), and a sister Wendy. He was graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., and the University of North Carolina, where he was All-America in lacrosse in 1979 and the team tri-captain that season.

After college he worked on oil rigs in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Alabama. In 1981, he was the first American athlete chosen to coach and help upgrade club lacrosse in Manchester, England, now a thriving organization. While in England he also coached the Oxford University lacrosse team. He was also elected to the Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

He held senior management positions at Aetna Insurance Company, JP Morgan, Chase and NEMCO, all in New York City. He most recently was a real estate developer with the Davy Group in Wilmington. He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He was a member of St. Andrews - Covenant Presbyterian Church. A memorial service was held on Monday, January 21st, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1416 Market Street, Wilmington, N.C. In lieu of flowers, gifts in support of youth athletic programs may be made to Cape Fear Academy, The Rip Davy Memorial Fund, 3900 South College Road, Wilmington, N.C.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.