With hearts forever changed, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Raylan.

From the very beginning, Raylan’s life was extraordinary. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made will last a lifetime. He taught us what courage looks like, what unconditional love feels like, and how hope can exist even in the hardest moments.

Raylan entered this world surrounded by love and immediately began the greatest fight of his life. Throughout countless hospital stays, surgeries, procedures, and setbacks, he faced every challenge with a strength that inspired everyone privileged to know him. His story was never defined by his diagnoses, but by his resilience, his determination, and the joy he brought into every room.

He had the sweetest smile, a personality that could brighten even the darkest days, and a way of capturing the hearts of nurses, doctors, therapists, family, friends, and even strangers who followed his journey. He reminded us all to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and to find beauty in each new day.

Above all else, Raylan was deeply loved. He was the cherished son of Chelsea and Preston and the adored little brother of Olivia, who loved him with her whole heart. He was treasured by his paternal grandparents, Dwayne and Kristie Davis, and his maternal grandparents, Tony Smith (Allison Gordon) and Wanda Hayes. He was also dearly loved by his aunts and uncles, Kendall Wood (Carter), Shelby King (Chandler), and Bella Davis, as well as his beloved cousins, Magnolia Bea King and Sadie Rae Wood.

Raylan was surrounded by an incredible village of family, friends, and his LCH aunties and uncles, whose prayers, love, and unwavering support carried our family through the most difficult season of our lives. They celebrated every milestone, mourned every setback, and loved Raylan as one of their own.

Although we would have given anything for more time, we are forever grateful for every moment we were blessed to spend with him. Every cuddle, every smile, every laugh, every milestone, and every single moment beside his hospital bed is a treasure we will carry with us forever.

Raylan leaves behind a legacy far greater than the length of his life. Because of him, people prayed more fervently, loved more intentionally, gave more generously, and held their own families a little tighter. He showed us that strength is not measured by size or age, but by the courage to keep fighting one more day.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to our Levine Children’s Hospital family for loving and caring for Raylan throughout his first year of life. Your compassion, dedication, and unwavering support will forever be a part of his story and ours.

While our hearts are broken beyond words, we find comfort in knowing that Raylan is whole, free from pain, and resting in the arms of Jesus. We imagine him running, laughing, breathing with ease, and experiencing the fullness of joy that this world could never offer. He has many friends from Levine’s who welcomed him home as well as his Grandma Star and his Pappaw Roy.

Our greatest honor was being his parents. We would choose him a thousand times over.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Raylan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Second Baptist Church Lancaster. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

While we grieve, we also celebrate the gift of Raylan’s life and the hope we have in Christ. In honor of his bright spirit, we invite attendees to wear colorful clothing as we celebrate his life together.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Madelyn’s Fund, https://madelynsfund.org/ in memory of Raylan Davis.