James E. Davis, Sr.

James Edward Davis , Sr. was born on September 11, 1934 in Lake Wales, Florida . He was preceded in death by his parents the late Anderson Davis and Rosalie Williams Davis , his wife Rena Mae Day Davis, daughter Regina Davis, brothers and sisters Benjamin Davis of Gainesville, Florida , BennieDavis of New York, NY, Edith Sermon of St. Petersburg, Florida , Mary Davis, Ella Ruth Davis and Peter Davis all of Trilby, Florida .

James began his education in the public school system of Pasco County at Floyd Academy School of Lacoochee, FL; completed high school at Moore Mickens High School.

He met and admired his love, his wife Rena Mae Davis and their union in marriage began on

October 10, 1953 where they celebrated 58 years of marriage and to this union they brought forth six beautiful children.

James was a faithful, dedicated member at New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Lacoochee, Florida. His stewardship was immaculate, he was an amazing and outstanding man. He served in all capacities, Steward Board Pro Tem for many years, Superintendent of Bible Discovery Hour; participated in numerous Bible Discovery Hour Conventions hosted by the Orlando District ; Finance Committee member for the Central Conference ; District Steward of New Bethel Lacoochee; Annual Conference Delegate to the Central Conference and President of local Lay Organization. He was a member of Mt. Olive AMEC in Trilby, FL for many years before joining New Bethel Lacoochee.

Daddy James was a beautiful spirited and inspirational man. Nothing came before his wife and his children whom he loved dearly. He loved to dress, as his wife who loved dressing with her matching hats, gloves and shoes.

In his early work history he walked to work at the Cumberland Sawmill in Lacoochee. He left there around 1953 then began working with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad that converted to Seaboard Coastline now known as CSX Railroad where he retired after his train accident in 1995.

He leaves to love and cherish his memory, his children Claudette Davis (John) Grubbs of Apopka, FL (Brandon, Brian, Chantel); James Jr. (Sibylle) Davis of Phoenix, AZ (Andre, Kevin); Starlee Davis (Rev. Terry) Alexander of Florence, SC (Terrell, Matthew); Larry Davis of Trilby, FL (Hollie, Brittany, Sinclair, Delysia) and Darrell Aubrey (Betty) Davis of Dade City, FL (Eric , Darrell); raised two of his granddaughters , Terrell Davis (Corey) McClain of Florence, SC and Hollie Davis James of Oklahoma ; Thirteen grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sister Joann Lee of Trilby, FL and sister-in-law Betty Davis of Gainesville, FL; God-Sister, Loretta Beasley of Lakeland, FL; one God-daughter Margrea Wright of Atlanta, GA; a special friend Evelyn Green of Trilby, FL, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of Trilby, Lacoochee and surrounding communities .

After a short illness on Monday, February 6, 2023, at approximately 5:45am while hospitalized he took his last breath and was gently transformed to an eternal life of peace and joy. Daddy James, you will always be remembered in our hearts and a part of our lives.

Local Announcement by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC and arrangements are entrusted to H.W. Oldham Funeral Home, 1537 Kettles Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33805. You can also leave an online condolence at https://www.oldhamfuneralhomes.com/ .

Please keep the family of James Edward Davis, Sr. in your thoughts and prayers.