Jacob Lloye Davis Jacob Lloye Davis, 103, of Blackshear, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2024, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.
Born October 6, 1921, the life-long resident of Pierce County was a graduate of Blackshear High School and went on to earn his welding certificate. He farmed until he was drafted into the service during World War II. He served in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid for the duration of the war and was discharged in 1945. He returned to Pierce County and met, on a blind date, and later married the love of his life, Janell “Jenny” Henderson Davis. They were married for 78 years and together were blessed with a large family. He farmed most of his life only “retiring” to start a huge pecan orchard which he was still in charge of.
Over the years he served on numerous committees and received many accolades. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees as well as a long-time member of the Pierce County Board of Education. He received the Farmer of the Year award in 1974 and was a member of the Farm Bureau as well as the National Farmers Organization, the Forestry Commission and the Michigan Blueberry Association (in the 1960s). He was recognized by the Blackshear City Council as well as the Pierce County Board of Commissioners on his 100th birthday by making it Jacob Davis Day. He was the grand marshal of the annual Christmas parade and was recognized by the Pierce and Ware County Veterans. He enjoyed attending the Satilla Rural Electric Membership (SREMC) meetings at Memorial Stadium every year and winning the oldest member award. He has appeared on RFD TV and in numerous magazines featuring his faith, family and longevity. He was a life-long member of Beulah Baptist Church where he was in the Senior Adult Sunday school class. He was also a former deacon and member of the Beulah Boys Choir.
In addition to this parents, he was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Addison “Eddie” Strickland and Mike O’Gorman; a grandson, Addison Scott Strickland and all 10 of his siblings, Troy Davis, Guthrie Davis, Audice Davis Lee, Lois Davis West, Cora Mae “Tommie” Davis Head, Dewey Aldeen Davis Sr., Zell Davis O’Steen, Mildred Davis Hand and Sallie Davis Lee Pierce.
Survivors include his wife of 78 years, Mrs. Janell “Jenny” Henderson Davis, Blackshear; his children, Jay (Janice) Davis, Jerry (Terresa) Davis, June Davis, Joy Davis Strickland O’Gorman and partner, Dick Larson, and Jane (Jim) Callahan, all of Pierce County; grandchildren, Dawn (Michael) Sapp, Starr (Jonathan) Dial, Shelley Davis, Lloye (Shellie) Davis, Cassie (Bob) Dyal, Lance Davis, Danielle (Paul) Harris, Heather Davis Watkins, J. C. (Anna) Callahan and Jenna Callahan (fiance’, Dan Johnson); great-grandchildren, John Michael Sapp, Thomas Sapp, Jonathan Stephen Dial, Harrison Dial, Dawson Dial, Kate (Harrison) Cristobal, Molly (Tommy) Youmans, Sarah Davis, Lilly Davis, Jake (Emma Grace) Davis, Alex Davis, Davis Dyal, Aniston Dyal, Jincy Strickland, Addison Strickland, Ava Strickland, Jed Davis, Massey Harris, Ellie Harris, Rane Watkins, River Watkins, James Callahan and Scottie Callahan; a great, great grandchild, Wrenley Cristobal and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Beulah Baptist Church Social Hall.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, from the Beulah Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Tuttle, Bro. Clay Thomas and J. C. Callahan officiating.
A private burial will be held in the church cemetery.
His grandsons and great-grandsons will be serving as active and honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 3343 Beulah Church Road, Alma, GA 31510.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
