Dave Davis, Jr.

On August 9, 1942, Rev. Dave and Lettie Mae (Brooks) Davis welcomed a bouncing baby boy, Dave Davis, Jr. He was the fourth of eleven children and the second-born son, proudly bearing his father’s name. When Dave was just six months old, the family of six left Greenwood, Mississippi, and began a new life in South Bend, Indiana, laying a strong foundation for generations to come. At an early age, Dave was baptized at St. John Baptist Church by Rev. White, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Coming from a family of gifted singers, Dave carried his own special gift, one that brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. He had a friendly, outgoing personality and truly never met a stranger. Blessed with the gift of conversation, Dave could connect with anyone, turning simple moments into lasting memories.

Dave attended Benjamin Harrison Elementary and Middle School before continuing to Washington High School, where he excelled as a star athlete in track and field and basketball. His signature layup was featured multiple times in the South Bend Tribune, a testament to his talent and dedication. After graduating, Dave moved to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Realizing the South was not for him, he later transferred to Bethel College, where he continued to pursue his love for basketball.

Dave’s father, Rev. Dave Davis, Sr., was a respected leader in the community and hoped one of his sons would follow in his footsteps. Dave eagerly volunteered. One Sunday, he stepped up to the podium and preached his heart out. At the end of the service, the plate was passed to pay him. When it returned with only fifty cents, Dave turned to his father and said, ‘I can’t be a pastor, they didn’t pay me enough!’ This story has been shared for years and remains one of the funniest among his siblings. From that moment on, Dave focused on building a strong work ethic like no other.

While in high school, Dave sold donuts at Bendix Corporation before classes and later worked as a driver for Perry’s Drug Store, delivering medicine to customers. During his time at Bethel College, he took a job at a local hospital. After marrying the love of his life, Dave returned to Bendix Corporation. While working there, he also held a part-time position at Gilbert’s Clothing Store. Dave was always a sharp dresser; you could count on him to wear the latest styles. After five years at Bendix’s South Bend location, Dave was transferred to Chicago, IL. Following another five years in Chicago, he was recruited by Carter Carbonator Corporation, a role that relocated his growing family to St. Louis, MO. This position had Dave traveling extensively across the United States. After a decade, Dave transitioned into car sales, a move that would define his career. He excelled as a highly acclaimed salesman, earning numerous awards and accolades. His success was fueled by his gift of conversation, his ability to connect with anyone, and his outgoing personality. Dave never met a stranger, and his customers returned time and again because of the trust and relationships he built. Dave was consistently recognized as a top salesman, earning numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performance.

On October 16, 1965, Dave and Consuealla (Connie) Jackson were united in holy matrimony. From this union, God blessed them with two daughters, Kimberly (Kim) and Krista. Dave embraced the title of ‘Daddy’ with pride and devotion, but his most cherished role was ‘PaPa,’ a name lovingly given by his second and third generations. His legacy lives on through seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who were the joy of his life.

Dave enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved to travel and spend time with his family, whether flying from the Midwest to the East and West Coasts for work, visiting loved ones in Atlanta, or cruising the seas with his beautiful wife.

Dave loved to bowl, but golf was his true passion. An avid golfer, when he wasn’t working or spending time with family, you could find him on the golf course. He even had a hat rack that read, ‘If the hat can’t be seen, I’m on the green.’ Dave never traveled without his golf clubs, playing and winning tournaments across the United States, as well as in Jamaica and Mexico. One of the highlights of his golfing journey was meeting Tiger Woods, a moment he cherished deeply.

Being from South Bend, Dave spent his college football Saturdays cheering for Notre Dame. He also loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and, of course, anything related to golf, especially the PGA Tour and the Masters. A true sports enthusiast, Dave enjoyed watching all sports.

After suffering a “large” stroke in March 2021, Dave’s devoted wife of 60 years became his sole caregiver, embodying the true meaning of ‘in sickness and in health.’ Following a courageous four-year battle, Dave peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 26th, surrounded by family, and entered into the presence of our Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Dave Sr., and Lettie Mae Davis; and siblings Otis Davis, Shirley (Frank) Morrell, Beatrice Dawson, and Manson Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his loving wife of 60 years, Consuealla; two daughters, Kimberly Davis of Alpharetta, GA, and Krista (Kenyon) Davis-Brown of Fairburn, GA; seven grandchildren Cody (Cierra) Jackson, Ryan (Dominique) Jackson, Lexus Davis-Pittman, Arryonia Davis-Grey, Arryill Davis-Grey, Lance Brown, and Lawson Brown; and seven great-grandchildren Autumn, Aiden, Ryann, August, Addisyn, Camden, and Amari.

He is also survived by siblings Gloria Bradford of Indianapolis, IN; Mitchell (Mike) Davis and Anthony (Benester) Davis of South Bend, IN; Tyrone (Pamela) Davis of Chicago, IL; Janette Wigfall and Denise Christian of Norcross, GA; a brother-in-law, Roscoe (Vicki) Jackson; and sisters-in-law Jeanette and Clara Davis all of South Bend, IN.

Dave will be deeply missed by a host of loving family members, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.

Services to honor Dave will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Friends and family are invited to gather at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17103 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, MO, beginning at 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon. 

As we say goodbye, we hold to God’s promise: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10

Donate to Walk to End Alzheimer's in Dave's support.