The Celebration life of Johnny D. Davis, Jr. will be on Saturday, November 2, 2019, 3 PM at Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors. Visitation, Friday November 1, 2019 from 12 to 5 Pm at the Funeral Home.
Burial: Monday, November 4, 2019 at 2 PM DFW National Cemetery.
Johnny D. Davis, Jr. was the first of nine children born to Johnny and Marie Davis on April 19, 1941 in Ruston, Louisiana. Johnny took special pride in being the oldest brother, and he was always protective of his younger siblings, especially his first sister, Alice. He was so proud to be a big brother he would volunteer to take his sister Alice’s spankings when she misbehaved. His sister and mother would often tell the story of how he would say, “Mother Dear please don’t spank little Alice. I’ll take her spanking.”
Johnny began his early education in Ruston, Louisiana, and when the family relocated to the Como area of Fort Worth he continued his elementary education. While in school Johnny enjoyed playing basketball and competing in art competitions. He was recognized for his talents with a second place award in a city-wide art competition.
Being an industrious young man, he worked at local restaurants and then Howard Johnson’s Hotel while still a teenager. Having to walk several miles to and from work did not deter him, because he loved dressing fashionably and wanted to purchase his own clothes and to help his parents with their ever growing family.
Upon graduating from Como High School in 1961, Johnny enlisted in the United States Army on August 3, 1961. He served in various battalions throughout his career in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany before returning to stateside service in Colorado and Oklahoma. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG), in which he was responsible for commanding a squad and developing, maintaining, and utilizing the full range of the soldier’s potential. He always mailed home gifts to his parents and younger siblings, and his sisters still treasure the dolls he sent them as little girls. Johnny married Katherine Williams, and six children were born to this union. Even though they divorced years later, they remained friends and co-parented their children.
After serving 21 years in the army, Johnny retired on October 2. 1982, and began a career in security. He worked security at Miller Brewery for several years and then for Guardsmark Security, until he retired a few years ago. Johnny united with Bright Glory Baptist Church, and was baptized by longtime family friend, the late Rev. Delta May, Sr.
In his free time Johnny’s main focus was spending time with family, listening to music (especially Johnnie Taylor), and watching his Dallas Cowboys. You knew not to call him on the phone when the Cowboys were playing. If he answered, he would only give you a brief conversation. “I am watching the Cowboys,” he would say. If you wanted to treat him to lunch or dinner Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen was always one of his favorites.
Another thing dear to his heart was participating in the annual Como 4th of July Parade. He would decorate his car each year in purple and gold, two USA flags, a red white and blue bow, and a sign saying Johnny D. Davis, Jr. Como Class of 1961. Then he would be sure to have candy to throw to the children. Being a graduate of Como High School was a badge of honor to him.
After a brief illness the forever father and forever big brother, Johnny D. Davis, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October, 23, 2019, surrounded by family. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Johnny and Marie Davis, Sr., one brother James Davis, and two brothers in law.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Kathryn (Marcus) Fuller, Michael (Patricia) Davis, Johnny (Teresa) Davis, III, Kimberly Davis-Ross, Wayne Tyrone Davis, Bridgeta R. Davis; siblings Alice (Roy) LeGrand, Ruby Davis, Linda (Archie) Hunt, Norma (Troy) McDonald, Kenneth Davis, Gloria Towner, Bryant Davis, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, two aunts, three uncles, several cousins, and friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com/gwspencerdirs/en-us/index.page for the Davis family.
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