James Davis

James Donald “Don” Davis, 89 of Leeds, Alabama, entered his heavenly home on Saturday, June 29, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordie and Marie Davis; brothers, Delmar and William “Bill” Davis; sister, Joyce Foster; daughter, Debbie Romei; grandson, Christopher Brasher; Son-in-laws, Richard Romei and Doug Derry; and lifelong friend, Mike Satterwhite.

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Conda May Davis; daughters, Donna Brasher(Terry), and Diane Derry; Son, Horace “Spanky” Davis(Theresa); Grandchildren, Stacey Beane(Jeff), Anthony Romei, Lisa Horsley(Brian), Lindsey Harris, and Matthew Derry; Great grandchildren, Conner Beane, Isabella Horsley, Cameron Horsley, Dalton Harris, Ryan Harris; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Don served in the US Army, where he fought in the Korean War and was stationed in France. After being honorably discharged he began a successful career with Frisco/Burlington Northern Railroad where he earned his nickname “Freightrain” as a switchman. He was awarded employee of the year in 1989 and was the leader of the safety committee, he retired after 44 years. Don was also a member of the Leeds Masonic Lodge #446, as well as a long-time member of Leeds First Baptist Church where he served as an usher and Carpenters for Christ.

Don was affectionately known as the Leeds candy man. He and his wife Conda started making homemade chocolate covered cherries in the 80s and carried the tradition well into the 2000s. Every year around Christmas he would walk to the businesses of downtown Leeds and hand deliver his treats where folks would be patiently waiting for his arrival. Each year they would make 1,500-2,000 cherries. Don was also a very skilled artist, loved Alabama Football, and the Atlanta Braves.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Kilgroe Funeral Home from 12:00PM until 1:00PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Kilgroe Funeral Home beginning at 1:00PM with burial to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Vandiver, AL.