Davis
June 16, 1938 August 16, 2024
PEARSON — Mr. Edwin Faine Davis, Sr., age 86 of Pearson, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024, at his home following an extended illness.
Davis was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ferra Lee Fount ain Davis; daughter, Regina Davis; grandson, Carlton Taft; brother, Aaron Davis; and special cousin/friend, Jerry Davis.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Janice Vickers Davis of Pearson; children, Edwin Davis, Jr. and wife, Shelli, of Jesup, Tracy Mizell and husband, Jesse, of Axson, Ga., and Gary Vickers of Axson; grandchildren, Brett Mizell and wife, Candace, Cole Davis, Addi Davis, Tori Davis, Greg Vickers, Brandon Spivey and wife, Whitney, Marshall Mizell and wife, Megan, Tyler Mizell, Sydney Mizell, and Ryan Madray and wife, Erica; great grandchildren, Vince Lane and Vada Mizell, Emmett Lott, Caston Martinez, Dylan and Jordan Mizell, and Charlie and Cannon Madray; several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Funeral services for Davis were held Monday, August 19 at Ozias Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Johnson and the Rev. Michael Johnson officiating. Special music included “How Great Thou Art,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and “Amazing Grace” rendered by soloist Michael Johnson. Prelude and postlude music was by Michael Johnson pianist. Interment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers were Brian Schotsch, Greg Vickers, Brett Mizell, Marshall Mizell, Cole Davis and Vince Lane.
Excerpts written below were shared by his son, Edwin Davis, Jr. at the funeral service. Additional details regarding Daddy’s career, favorite memories from loved ones and lifetime achievements have been added to Edwin Jr.’s comments.
“I could stand up here ’til dark telling so many stories of my Father, but I'll just hone in on some of his most important virtues. Since my days as a child, Daddy always stressed the Golden Rule — that is to treat others as you would like to be treated. He taught me to embrace and engage others in this world, looking people in the eyes, and shake their hand firmly like you meant it — and you better MEAN IT, he stressed. He also taught us ‘that if you’re going to do something, do it right to start with. ‘Go all in with all your mind, body, and soul and never look back,’ he stressed. And that's the life he lived. ‘Plow forward, never look back, because you’re not going that way.’
“He also taught me and my sisters that a major contributor to the quality of life we each live is about the choices we make each day. He stressed that some choices will be challenging to achieve and the road to success might be steep, but the result would always be worth the sacrifices, if the choice was the right one. Daddy set a great example of hard work, the importance of education, and honest dealings with your fellow man.
“He loved his family above all else and held them close to his heart. Daddy deeply loved his wife, Janice. At family gatherings, Daddy always shared a short message of love and appreciation for all his family members and for the many blessings he had received. Later in his life, Daddy went to the alter at Ozias Freewill Baptist Church and made the choice to give his heart to Jesus and commit his life to being worthy to gain his place in Heaven. Although his passing brings sadness to his loved ones, there is peace in knowing that he has earned his Heavenly reward.
“Daddy loved little Ol’ Atkinson County and the people within it, and he dedicated his career to the service of the betterment of his hometown and county. He taught history at Atkinson County High for six years and many of his former students have shared with Daddy and his family the lasting positive impact he made upon them and their lives. He was so very proud to hear these kind words from his former students. He continued his career as an educator serving as the Title I Coordinator for several years and Atkinson County Junior High Principal for one year.
“In 1978, he ran for Superintendent of the Atkinson County School System and won by a large majority of votes. He held this elected position for 18 years, never again facing opposition in subsequent elections. He retired after 32 years of service in the Atkinson County School System in 1996. Although he enjoyed retirement and working on the family farm with his wife, Janice, he felt that he had more to offer his county.
“He made the decision to run once again for public office in Atkinson County. He was elected as Chairman of the County Commission and served in that capacity for six years. His efforts resulted in many positive improvements of the infrastructure of Atkinson County. In his later years, he once told my mother, his wife of 62 years, that he planned on running AGAIN for Chairman of ATCO Commission and she responded, ‘Edwin, you can run again but I'm not!’ That ended his ill-fated ‘campaign’ before it even got started.
“During his career, he was proud to be recognized by several organizations for his contributions. He was presented plaques from the Atco Chamber of Commerce, Okefenokee RESA Board of Control, Atkinson County 4-H Organization, Atkinson County Athletic Programs, Pearson Elementary, and the Atkinson County Board of Education. He also received special recognition from Gov. Zell Miller for his patriotism, valor, and fidelity. In 2007, he was honored to receive the Outstanding Leadership Award for Distinguished Service to Southeast Georgia from SEGA RDC in Waycross.
“As Daddy’s health deteriorated and even as he lay bedridden, his attitude, love, and zest for life never did. He always answered when questioned, ‘I’m doing fine. How are you and family?’ Whenever it was time for loved ones to leave for their home he would always ask ‘Why are you leaving? You don’t have to go now, stay around and sit, talk to us.’ Daddy always said, ‘I love you’ openly and often. He only worried about the plight of others and not his own. He was truly a blessing to us all. I only hope to come close to fulfilling the legacy he left us to enjoy in his absence.
“My Daddy was a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much. He has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. Daddy gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give another person. He believed in me. This is the price we pay for having a great father. You get the wonder, the love, the joy, the tender moments, and you get the tears at the end, too.”
The Davis Family would like to express its sincere appreciation and love to all who brought food, beverages, time, hugs, condolences, and love during this time of great grief. We can never repay your compassion to our family, and we are eternally thankful.
We especially wish to convey our love and appreciation to Daddy’s caregivers Denise Garrett, Judy Taft, Missy Adams, Crystal Sonnier, and Amanda Lott. You have each earned a place in our hearts, and our family will forever be grateful for the love, kindness, service, respect and concern each of you demonstrated in caring for Daddy.
Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson was in charge of the arrangements.
