John Francis Davis

John Francis Davis of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on November 4th at the age of 85. John demonstrated a lifelong commitment to conservation and environmental protection as well as to serving those in need in all areas through his volunteer work.

The son of Lonnie Lee and Florida Rosa Broward Davis, John was born in Jacksonville, Florida on June 11th, 1933. He grew up in Jacksonville where he was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School. He was an excellent musician in high school and he performed in several symphonies throughout high school and college. After high school, he attended Florida State University where he received both his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Urban and Regional Planning. He was also a member of the United States Army where he served as a supply sergeant and a member of the army’s military band. He met his future wife, Patricia Manning Davis, while a student at FSU and they were married for 59 years. After their marriage in 1960, John began a career working for the State of Florida in Tallahassee. His first position was working on a task force with Governor Askew to write legislation to protect Florida’s beaches and wetlands. He then worked as the Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for many years. He instilled a lifelong love of state and national parks in his family through this position. After this, he joined the Department of Transportation; and then he worked for the Department of Natural Resources where he was a self-taught expert in information technology. After more than 40 years as a civil servant, John retired from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. During his free time, John enjoyed volunteer work in a number of different areas. While his children were young, he served as a scoutmaster as well as on the regional council of the BSA. He was also president of the Leon Band Boosters. He worked for many years as an area representative for Bread for the World, which advocates for needy people around the world. In addition, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes in several states. He also worked with, and represented as their district coordinator, Heifer International, which provides farm animals for lower-income families across the world. As a culmination of all of these activities, John helped to initiate an Alternative Christmas Market at his church, John Wesley United Methodist Church. Held in early December of every year since 1986, this market allows people to donate money to over 40 charitable organizations as an alternative to giving traditional holiday gifts. John worked at the booth each year representing Heifer International and many visitors enjoyed talking to him over the decades as the church raised over a million dollars to help others. Later on John helped to start a market at Christ Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Manning Davis; his children Jay Francis Davis of Decatur, GA, Walt (Lisa) Trierweiler of Tallahassee, FL, Jenny (Patrick) Davis Young of Powder Springs, GA, and Cheryl Davis of Panama City, FL; and his brothers Joseph Davis of Tallahassee, FL, Roger Davis, Berkeley Davis, Stanley Davis, and George Davis of Jacksonville, FL. He is survived by his grandchildren Caleb Adams, Claire Adams, Kate Davis, Sean Wheeler, Garrett Wheeler, Niko Vrettos, Sofia Vrettos, Patrick Trierweiler, Jessica Trierweiler, Max Trierweiler, and John Davis (Jack) Trierweiler as well as by his many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog Lucy (Lucille Ball) and by his many granddogs.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 10th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made out to John Wesley UMC for their upcoming Alternative Christmas Market. In memory of John, attendees are asked to wear a favorite t-shirt that John would enjoy. They may also email their favorite memories of John to jennyoung@bellsouth.net or write out a memory to bring to share with the family. There will be a reception after the service. The church is located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Culley’s Meadowwood Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.