Our Story
Davis Fence Sales owner Tim Davis
In 1959, William E. Davis (sometimes "Buddy," and also "Ed") started Southern Manufacturing Company, a fencing company, in a rented building in an alley between 6th and 7th Streets in Anniston with only two employees, but the business was set to grow, and sooner than I expected: at age 13, my first day out of school for the summer, I was ready to ride my bike and do lots of swimming. Dad had a different idea.
“Put on some blue jeans - you are going with me.”
And so I started my fencing career. By age 16, I was a crew leader of two men much older than me working and installing fencing all over East Alabama. At age 18, I was made a salesman. By then, Southern Manufacturing Company sold more chain link fence than any other company in Alabama, and we had about 20 employees. I was fortunate enough to earn a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University, but anytime that I wasn’t in school, I either sold or installed for Southern Manufacturing Company.
Coming Home
I left Jax State in May of 1979 and moved to Shreveport, LA. I worked for 3 years at an oilfield. During this time our nation went through a pretty bad recession, and while I was away, Dad closed Southern Manufacturing. By 1982 the recession had hit the oilfield and my boss said, “Bubba, I think it’s time you head back to Alabama.”
Dad and I started Southern Fence at the corner of G Street and Noble after I returned. He said, “I will sell more fence, and you build them.” One afternoon, after a hard day of fence building, I came back to the shop and he said, “Why don’t you ride to Ranburne with me, I have to do an estimate.” I agreed, and about one hour later, I met the lady that I would spend the next 32 years with (and we got the job!).
Things got tough again in 1986, so I went to work as a body shop manager for Buster Miles Chevy-Olds. At the time, I knew nothing about the collision repair business, but learned quickly. Mom and Dad decided to move to Destin and closed up Southern Fence soon after, but I kept getting calls at home to build fences. Finally, in 1989, I purchased a truck and tools and put Davis Fence Sales on the map! Still employed full time with Buster, I’d work on cars from 8-5 and build fence at night and on the weekends.
Different Day Job, Still Fencing
In 1994 an opening for collision repair instructor at Cleburne County Technical School opened up. Although a pay cut, the rigors of body shop manager were really taking a toll and I accepted the position. Davis Fence Sales still worked afternoons, nights and weekends.
Davis Fence Sales is still going strong. Some of our larger jobs completed are:
Along with these, we have installed thousands of fences at residences in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. At 58 years young, I am married to Mary Howle Davis. We have two daughters and four grandchildren. Sadly, Dad passed in 2009. I know he would be proud that I am still fencing.
“Put on some blue jeans - you are going with me.”
And so I started my fencing career. By age 16, I was a crew leader of two men much older than me working and installing fencing all over East Alabama. At age 18, I was made a salesman. By then, Southern Manufacturing Company sold more chain link fence than any other company in Alabama, and we had about 20 employees. I was fortunate enough to earn a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University, but anytime that I wasn’t in school, I either sold or installed for Southern Manufacturing Company.
Coming Home
I left Jax State in May of 1979 and moved to Shreveport, LA. I worked for 3 years at an oilfield. During this time our nation went through a pretty bad recession, and while I was away, Dad closed Southern Manufacturing. By 1982 the recession had hit the oilfield and my boss said, “Bubba, I think it’s time you head back to Alabama.”
Dad and I started Southern Fence at the corner of G Street and Noble after I returned. He said, “I will sell more fence, and you build them.” One afternoon, after a hard day of fence building, I came back to the shop and he said, “Why don’t you ride to Ranburne with me, I have to do an estimate.” I agreed, and about one hour later, I met the lady that I would spend the next 32 years with (and we got the job!).
Things got tough again in 1986, so I went to work as a body shop manager for Buster Miles Chevy-Olds. At the time, I knew nothing about the collision repair business, but learned quickly. Mom and Dad decided to move to Destin and closed up Southern Fence soon after, but I kept getting calls at home to build fences. Finally, in 1989, I purchased a truck and tools and put Davis Fence Sales on the map! Still employed full time with Buster, I’d work on cars from 8-5 and build fence at night and on the weekends.
Different Day Job, Still Fencing
In 1994 an opening for collision repair instructor at Cleburne County Technical School opened up. Although a pay cut, the rigors of body shop manager were really taking a toll and I accepted the position. Davis Fence Sales still worked afternoons, nights and weekends.
Davis Fence Sales is still going strong. Some of our larger jobs completed are:
- Ranburne High School Baseball Field
- Jenkins Manufacturing (Jellco) perimeter fence
- Cleburne County High School football field and baseball perimeter
- Fed Ex Ground renovation (Industrial Park)
Along with these, we have installed thousands of fences at residences in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. At 58 years young, I am married to Mary Howle Davis. We have two daughters and four grandchildren. Sadly, Dad passed in 2009. I know he would be proud that I am still fencing.
Our Business Philosophy
At Davis Fence Sales we still do everything “old school,” just like I learned in 1969. I cannot remember a job, big or small, when I wasn’t “on the job.” We want our customers to be 110% satisfied and to provide a product and installation that last for years. Our fence signs have a logo: “Built with Pride.”
We try to fit each job individually for that customer. It’s almost impossible to buy all products “American Made” anymore. My wholesaler is Master Halco, a nationwide company with a branch in Atlanta. They offer warranties on all products. So, we would like to be your fence contractor on your next job.
Sincerely, Tim Davis
Owner/Operator, Davis Fence Sales
We try to fit each job individually for that customer. It’s almost impossible to buy all products “American Made” anymore. My wholesaler is Master Halco, a nationwide company with a branch in Atlanta. They offer warranties on all products. So, we would like to be your fence contractor on your next job.
Sincerely, Tim Davis
Owner/Operator, Davis Fence Sales
