Leroy Davis

THE LIFE & TIMES OF LEROY DAVIS

Bro. Leory Davis was born in Camden, Arkansas on April 16, 1938 to Fredinand and Lelia Alford Davis. He passed from this life on July 20, 2020, in his home surrounded by his family.

Leroy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New. Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. L. C. Dean. He continued to serve as a faithful member under the leadership of Rev. Lonnell Moore.

He grew up in the Brown Hill area of Camden and was widely known as “Putin”. Leroy was a 1958 graduate of Lafayette High School. He excelled as a student and grew up to be smart and handsome young man. He met the beautiful and soft spoken Olevia Mae from Amy, Arkansas. After an appropriate period of courtship, they were married on October 1, 1960. The Lord blessed their union with eight children.  He was a stalwart provider, a loving and dedicated husband who loved his wife immensely.

Leroy modeled the true meaning of a father that left a lasting impression on his children. He was a constant in their lives while providing wise counsel, guidance, knowledge and just one of his trademark quotes including: “I know you’re grown, I’m not trying to tell you what to do BUT”, “Sometimes you have to swallow some things”, “Save your money, because there are rainy days ahead”, “Treat people right, because you’ll never know who’s help you’re going to need”, “Live and let live”, “Its nothing like having your own” and “We’re not all going to be the same.”

By all accounts he was a “jack of all trades”, but his passion was helping those in need with the expectation of nothing in return. He was a hard worker and was employed at the Furniture Factory for many years and later worked for Cotton Belt Railroad where he retired. Leroy was an entrepreneur and was a rental property owner.

His hobbies included watching sports, and fishing. He dominated the dominoes table and enjoyed beating both the young and the old. One of his greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives and friends. He will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. He possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. He meant what he said, and said what he meant. His natural wit and humor could never be duplicated.

Family, as well as friends, will miss his strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Lovie Davis, Helen Gibson and Willie Mae Brown.

His life was full and he was truly sincere in heart. The memory of his existence will forever be woven into the lives of those who were blessed to know him. He leaves his beautiful wife of 59 years, Olevia M. Davis of Camden; five daughters, Carolyn Davis of Camden, Vivian (Elder Emmet) Parnell of Phoenix City, AL, Sherlynn Davis of Texarkana, TX, Deborah Davis of Camden, and LaShanda (Shalon) Jackson of Pensacola, FL; fours sons, Michael Davis of Camden, Ronnie Bivens of Dallas,TX, Patrick (Vanell) Davis of Phoenix, AZ and LeMark Davis of Irving, TX; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lorene Hall of Buffalo, NY, and Irene (Charles) Matthew of Chicago, IL; five brothers, J. L. Davis and J. T. (Ida Mae) Davis of Milwaukee, WI, Wilie (LaVada) Davis, Clinton (Beverly) Davis and Bobby Davis all of Buffalo, NY; one aunt, Julie Randall of Los Angeles, CA. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Public visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 7 :00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren. Due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic and the directives from the Governor's Office State of Arkansas please do not linger. Please pay your respects and leave so others may have the chance to enter the funeral home. A Celebration of his life will at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 250, 2020 at Mt. Hebron Cemetery under the direction of Williams Funeral Home Can Buren in Camden, Arkansas with Rev. Lonnell Moore, officiating and Pastor Lonnie Moore, eulogist. Family & friends are encouraged to wear their mask at the graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Thomas, Darnell Wilson, Horace Green, John Bush, Benny Williams and Clarence Berry. Honorary pallbearers will be Shalon Jackson, Jr., Brandon Davis, Tevin Davis, Shamond Cheeter, LeMark Davis, Ronnie Bivens, Zephenia Davis, Darrick Davis, Sean Jackson, Ethan Hall, GeOndre Cheeter, Patrick Davis and Michael Davis.