A Celebration of Life for Mr. Thomas Edward Davis, Sr., 94 of Courtland, Alabama will be 11:30AM Saturday at First Missionary Baptist Church of Courtland with Rev. Otis Christopher Neloms, Jr. officiating. Inhumation will follow in Decatur City Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00PM until 5:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home.
Mr. Thomas Edward Davis, Sr. also known as T.E. Davis was born November 7, 1929 to Edward and Carrie White Davis in a small shack, owned by plantation owner Annie Wheeler in Lawrence County, Alabama. He was the first of four children to Edward and Carrie Davis.
He was educated in the Lawrence County Alabama Educational School System. He was encouraged by his parents and Mr. R. A. Hubbard, the principal at the time, to attend college at Alabama State University. Mr. Davis attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama and obtained both a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Math and Science also becoming a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Mr. Davis later obtained a certification in Adult Education from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Additionally, Mr. Davis obtained an Associate of Ministry degree from the Ministry International Institute.
After graduating college Mr. Davis landed his first job in Demopolis, Alabama and after four short months he was drafted into the US Marine Corps and was trained as a Marine Gunner. He served two years in the Marines, with one year on the front lines, serving in the Korean War. While in combat he was wounded and shipped to a Japanese Hospital and received a Purple Heart of Honor while in the hospital. Upon leaving the hospital he was sent back to the front line to finish another year of combat. Mr. Davis kept a Bible and trusted in God during his time of war and was later discharged home and began working with Mr. R.A. Hubbard as a teacher, assistant principal and guidance counselor for two years.
Mr. Davis married the love of his life Naomi McKelvy and to this union two children were born: Bishop Thomas Edward Davis, Jr. of Courtland, Alabama and Pamela Allen of Decatur, Alabama.
Mr. Davis was born into a Christian Family and attended church every Sunday. At age 13 he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined First Missionary Baptist Church in Courtland, AL where he remained a faithful member. Mr. Davis loved his church and worked tirelessly to improve church activities, worship experiences, and the physical structure. He believed that these elements, in concert, were essential to provide for a prosperous and healthy Christian experience. Mr. Davis extended his talents to the church by serving as the Sunday School Superintendent for 22 years, Deacon on the Deacon Board for 50+ years, Chairman of the Original Trustee Board in 1978, served as the church custodian, church bus driver, manicured the church lawn, sang in the male chorus, and served on the Building Committee for the 2001 construction of the church addition. While serving in these capacities, Mr. Davis was responsible for many improvements and continued to work diligently in the church.
During his free time, Mr. Davis was an avid gardener harvesting corn, squash, green beans, turnip greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers for several years. Many individuals in the community were blessed by Mr. Davis’s harvest. You would often find him sitting in his recliner chair while relaxing at home watching TBN, Bobby Jones Gospel, The Gospel Music Station, Gunsmoke, or Bonanza.
Mr. Davis transitioned to his heavenly home on January 25, 2024 at Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur, Alabama. He leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Naomi McKelvy Davis; two children, Bishop Thomas Edward Davis, Jr(Joyce)., and Pamela Allen; six grandchildren, Cory Davis (Kim) of Atlanta, Georgia, Marrieo Davis of Decatur, Alabama, RaKesha Davis of Madison, Alabama, Sharda’ Allen of Memphis, Tennessee, Miles Allen of Toney, Alabama and “Jay” Davis of Courtland, Alabama; two great-grandchildren, Ari Davis and Zoe Davis both of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Juanita Davis of Courtland, Alabama, Eloise Schultz (Clarence) of Gary, Indiana; one brother in-law, Cedric McKelvey of Austin Texas; two sisters in-law, Monica McKelvy-Kelley of Atlanta, Georgia and Marlean McKelvy of Richmond, VA; two godchildren, Jeff and Barbara Etherly both of Priceville, Alabama and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mr. Davis leaves a legacy of love, a model for diligence in work, and a guide for service to God, Family, and Country. He was the link that bonded his family together, an anchor in their lives, and a foundation upon which to base their strength, values, and beliefs as well as their inspiration to strive and achieve.
It is with a magnitude of love, great affection, respect and endless gratitude that we say good-bye to a servant of God, AMAZING father and grandfather, impactful educator, community leader, and courageous marine.
