Thomas Jacob Davis, Sr.

In Loving Memory of

Thomas Jacob Davis, Sr.

With characteristic strength, courage, and dignity, Thomas Jacob Davis of Pearisburg, Virginia, died quietly at Giles Memorial Hospital, January 25, 2014—marking the end of a life lived long and well and in preparation of a new life to come. He was 86. Mr. Davis—known throughout his life as Tommy—was born December 30, 1927, in Pearisburg. He took his first job at age six delivering blocks of ice to help support his two sisters and widowed mother during the depths of the Great Depression. Buoyed by a work ethic that would become the hallmark of his character, Tommy served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War era and returned to Pearisburg determined to be a self-made man, raise a family, and begin a business. Davis Radio and TV grew quickly into a successful business based on the values of honesty and caring for people. After retiring from his business after more than 42 years, Tommy worked as a greeter at the Pearisburg Wal-Mart so that he could continue interacting with old and new friends. Tommy loved the Lord and served God by serving his family and community. He supported a family of five from crib to college, rooted for his beloved Giles County Spartans, volunteered at his church, taught himself anything he wanted to know, earned a 2nd degree black belt in his late 60s, and touched countless lives in the rural mountain community he loved and called home. Tommy loved nothing more than the simple blessings of life: a glass of buttermilk and cornbread, a grandbaby bouncing on his knee, a bluegrass tune that was good to dance to, a day of hunting or fishing, and a nap in front of an old western surrounded by the family he adored. He died a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a family man first and foremost—his spirit and strength of character serving as an inspiration to all who knew him. Tommy is preceded in death by his father, Charlie Davis, his stepfather, Tom Lindsey, his mother, Hazel Davis-Lindsey, three sisters—Jacqueline Davis, Janice Davis, and Rowena Fletcher—his brother, Charlie Davis Jr, and his cherished daughter, Sheri Davis Bailey. He is survived by a sister, Mary Jane Smith, four children—Thomas Davis, Jr., Charles Davis, Frederick Davis, and Kenneth Davis—and nine grandchildren. Tommy is also survived by his special friend of many years, Virginia Christie. Family will receive friends on Thursday January 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg. Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 31 at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. Burial will follow at the Birchlawn Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1101 Valleyview Dr, Pearisburg, VA 24134.