Mr. Willie James Davis, Sr.

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Mr. Willie James Davis, Sr. heard the Lord call him to rest, and went to his heavenly home. Willie James was born on June 21, 1937, in Newberry, South Carolina to the late Christine R. Davis and Pierce Butler.

Willie James was as sharp as a whip all his life and had a passion to live life to the fullest. He started his education in the public schools of Newberry County where he attended Drayton Street Elementary School and Gallman High School. At an early age he elected to join the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. Later he would join the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4262, where he continued to serve his community and fellow military service members. When his tour of duty ended he met and married Louise Clemons. From that union 2 children were born. Willie resumed his studies and received his GED and obtained a certification in electronics at the South Carolina Area Trade School (later known as Midlands Technical College). Willie James was a hardworking man and eventually retired from Zeus Industries. In His spare time, he enjoyed helping others, fishing, and gardening. He loved family and spending time with family, friends, and hosting family gatherings, as it brought him joy.

Willie James was a man of God and loved his church and his family. They joined Jones Memorial AME Zion Church in the 1970’s. There he served for over 50 years in different capacities. He served as a Trustee, Trustee Emeritus and provided maintenance services for the church. He was a Life Patron of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary, served as Class Leader, drove the van as a member of the church Transportation Ministry, and was one the lead singers on the Jubilee Choir. Willie enjoyed singing on the Jubilee Choir and traveled with the choir to many events. He attended church faithfully and sang in the Jubilee Choir until his health started to decline. Then, he was able to participate via Zoom.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine R. Davis; father, Mr. Pierce Butler; sisters, Pauline Thacker and Alberta Hill; and a brother, Eugene Davis.

Those celebrating his life and who continue his legacy are his children, daughter, Niovia Davis; son, Reverend Willie James (Joyce) Davis, Jr.; grandchildren, Kyran Daniela (Lance) Baxter, Christina Louise Davis, Anquinetta Shuyan (Barry) Holliman, Willie James Davis, III, Brittany Lauren Jones, Clarence Deron Miles, and Jessica Michelle Davis; his “favorite” nephew, Timothy E. (Cynthia) Davis; a host of great grandchildren; along with a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

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