Gillom Davis

Born in Waynesboro, Mississippi to Luther and Flora Mae Davis, Gillom grew up in the South, developing a strong work ethic that would shape his entire life. Gillom’s determination to provide for his family and create a better future for them took him on a journey that spanned from the South to the North.

In 1960, Gillom married the love of his life, Onita Gray, in Wayne County, Mississippi. Together, they built a life through hard work, centered around family forming shared memories. After 55 years of marriage, Onita passed away on December 30, 2015, leaving Gillom with a legacy of devotion and family.

As a young man, Gillom’s resourcefulness and work ethic led him to explore opportunities far from home. During a time when jobs were scarce in Mississippi, he hopped trains to Chicago and Detroit, wherever work could be found. His time working on the oil rigs in Gulfport, Mississippi, gave him enough savings to open a Juke Joint.

Marrying further embedded Gillom’s desire to work and provide for his family. In search of a better life, Gillom moved his family to Bremerton, Washington, in the 1960s, where he found work and began to establish roots for his loved ones. He worked various jobs, including moving homes, loading weapons onto barges at Bangor Naval Base for the Vietnam War effort and cleaning out construction trailers. Ultimately, he found his calling in the construction industry, where he became a skilled laborer and a proud member of Laborers Local 252.

Gillom contributed to several projects throughout Kitsap County. He would fondly reminisce about some of the most exciting projects he worked on which consisted of the smokestack at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, pouring the Costco foundation, foundations at the Kitsap Mall and the Casad Dam. Though Gillom was a lifelong laborer he retired after a little over thirty years as a Labor local 252 worker.

Gillom was a known figure in the community, forming meaningful friendships throughout the area and will be dearly missed.

Gillom is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Flora Mae Davis, as well as his siblings: Annie Pearl Davis, Bettye Jean Davis, Welton Davis, and Luther Davis Jr., all from Waynesboro, Mississippi.

He is survived by his children: Collette Davis, Gregory Davis, Carol Berry, Pamela Crowe, and Robert Lavell Davis; son-in-law Brian Crowe; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings: Bessie Spann, Troy Chapman, Francis Green, and Emma Tillman, along with his brother-in-law Robert Spann. Gillom is further survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family to him.

Acknowledgements

Gillom Davis’s legacy is one of hard work, resilience, and love for his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his strength, and spirit.

The family extends their deepest thanks to everyone who has supported them during this time of loss and expresses their heartfelt gratitude for the love and friendship shared with Gillom throughout his life.