A Time To Reminisce


Minister Alfred C. Davis, Sr. “Pop” was born to JC and Margaret Lamar Davis in Worth County, Georgia on June 11, 1930.  He was the third of eleven children and attended Miller Chapel Elementary in Sumner, Georgia. 

Minister Davis spent most of his childhood in the rural Worth County area where he worked on the family’s farm.  In 1951, during the Korean War, he was drafted into the United States Army  and stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas.  After several months of service, Alfred received an honorable discharge due to health issues.  Once again,  Minister Davis returned to the family’s farm. On May 10, 1952, he proudly married the love of his life Sara Deloris Snead (his beloved “Baby Doll”).  Seven children were added to this union, six sons and one daughter.

As a young man, Alfred was no stranger to hard work.  The desire to work was inevitable, but his physical body was not willing.    He was employed as a warehouse man at the Marine Logistic Base, Albany, Georgia for seven years.

After receiving a medical retirement in 1961,  he moved to Melbourne where he worked in various occupations, to include: brick mason for Victor Starnella, the NCO Club at Patrick Air Force Base and Brevard County School Board.  Due to health issues and his desire to provide for his family, he formulated his own company (S & A Lawn Service also known as Davis Lawn Service ), with the assistance of his wife and sons.  He worked for more than thirty years as owner and operator.   Hard work was never an issue because his only concern was to be a good provider for his family.

Minister Davis surrendered his life to Christ at a young age and joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Shingler, Georgia.  During his early years, this precious servant was entrusted to become a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir, where he inspired others.   He adhered to the voice of God and was obedient to preach in and out of season.  He was   ordained as minister on March 11, 1984 at Chief Cornerstone (formerly Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church), under the auspice of Rev. Jesse Buggs. Other church affiliations included:  His first preference after moving to Melbourne was to become a devoted member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Palm Bay, Florida under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Driskell.  Minister Davis later joined the Church of Christ, Palm Bay, Florida,  Full Gospel of Deliverance and Chief Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Melbourne, Florida, where he faithfully served as Associate Pastor for many years. He loved his church and even while experiencing health conditions that hindered  him from attending church services, he carried a deep concern for his  Pastor and the Saints.

His obedience to God’s word referenced in St. John 13:34-35 which indicates, “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another”. This trait was exemplified through his acts of agape love.  His home was always open to others,  children and adults.  His kindness and concern for mankind should be etched in the hearts and minds of those that 

benefited from his generosity.

Minister Davis heard the voice of God whispering again to him.  However, it wasn’t to preach the Word, but to come to Him and take a much needed rest.  Rest from all his pains, all the struggles, torments, persecutions and heartaches.  We believe the Lord promised to take care of our precious loved one.  After all, who would pass up such a great opportunity?   So he slept away peacefully on July 22, 2010.  At 5:30 A.M. God  dispatched his angels to escort him HOME.  He left a tremendous legacy and will be missed by his family and friends.

Minister Davis was preceded in death by his parents: JC and Margaret Lamar Davis; (4) brothers: Felton Davis, Rev JC Davis, Jr., Deacon Horace Davis and Deacon Doarse Davis; (1) sister:  Mother Sarah Davis Brown.

His Legacy Will Linger Forever: Fond memories will be cherished by his loving wife of fifty eight years, Sara S. Davis, (6) sons: Alfred Charles (Dia) Davis, Jr. of Melbourne,  Marvin (Linda) Davis of Palm Bay, Willie B. (Carol) Davis of Melbourne, Gregory Davis of Palm Bay, Rodney (Gay Nell) Davis of Rockledge, and Marquise Davis and (1) devoted and caring daughter: Lillie Cannion-Davis of Palm Bay;   (4) brothers: Milton (Shirley) Davis of Miami, Florida,  Edward Davis of Sylvester, Georgia, Wayman (Lessie) Davis of Berryville, Virginia and Irvin Davis of Titusville, Florida, (1) sister:  Irene (Oscar) Davis Butler of Ypsilanti, Michigan.  (1) aunt: Eugenia Farrie-Henry;  (3) brothers-in-law: Carl Snead of Newnan, Georgia, Roscoe (Barbara) Snead of Melbourne, Florida and Leroy (Ruth) Snead of Winter Haven, Florida.  (4) sisters-in-law: Mae Thelma Hendley of Riviera Beach, Florida, Annie Doris Davis of Melbourne, Florida, Ruthie Mae Davis and Julie Davis of Sylvester, Georgia;  (14) grand children: Anthony (Tony) Cannion III of Palm Bay, Florida, Tamara (Willie) Harris of Melbourne, Florida,  Alfred (Fred) Davis III of San Diego, California, Keevin (Lenora) Holmes of Orlando, Florida,  Ryan Davis of Orlando, Florida,  Jason Davis of Dayton, Ohio,  Shana Davis,  Chimaria Davis, Shanetha Davis of Melbourne, Florida, Darius Davis, Devin Davis of Palm Bay, Florida,  Tiani Davis of North Carolina, Jordin Chandler of Melbourne, Florida and Evan Davis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;  (11) great-grand children: Jaylen, Bryce, Jaylon, Samaria, Matayo, Beniah,  Zariah, Kamari,  Kamorah,  Jolecia and Niaeema; a devoted nephew: Willie C. (PO) Howard of Melbourne; (2) God-daughters:  Beverly Caldwell and Toshia Wallington, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.


 

"God saw you were tired,  and a cure was not to be.
He wrapped you in His loving arms and whispered “Come with me.”

You suffered much in silence, but your spirit did not bend.
You faced your pain with courage, until the very end.

You tried so hard to stay with us but your fight was not in vain,
God took you to His loving home and freed you from the pain."