Donald Richard Davis, Sr. of Mobile, Alabama, passed from this life peacefully on Thursday evening, June 15, 2017 at the age of 81.

Don was born in Pittsburgh, PA. on July 27, 1935, the third of nine children born to Walter and Luella Davis. Don attended Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Dillingham. The two were united in marriage in 1954, and Don enlisted in the Air Force which brought the couple to Lincoln, Nebraska. After completing four years of military service, they remained in Lincoln with their growing family of eight children.

In 1959, Don and Betty surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Together they served the Lord, faithfully ministering God’s love and hospitality to many. Don founded Angelic Temple in Lincoln, which thrives today under the leadership of his brother, Rev. Myles Davis. Over the years, Don has enthusiastically served in many churches in various capacities.

Don was always a hard worker and very meticulous. He was a successful businessman who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. While in Lincoln, he started a lawn and janitorial service, eventually employing his oldest children. In the early 80’s, Don and his family moved to Mobile, Alabama where he continued working in the janitorial field. Later, Don and his sons established Davis and Sons Professional Services, Inc., which grew to employ up to 60 people, and serviced many commercial buildings in the Mobile area.

Don will be remembered as a very generous man, full of passion for Jesus Christ, always ready with an inspiring word to share with others, and one who sought the Lord’s will and wisdom in everything he did. He was an avid reader who loved to study God’s word. He was a gifted Bible teacher, and for several years his teachings were broadcast over the radio on a program entitled, “For Such a Time as This.” There is nothing Don loved more than serving the Lord, and spending time with family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Luella Davis, sisters Helen, Doris, and Carmen, and his brothers, Walter and Maurice.

He leaves behind Betty, his loving wife of 63 years who affectionately called him "Chuck.” His children and their spouses will miss him dearly, including Linda Slaikeu and husband Daniel, Donald Jr., Darrell, Steven and wife Maria, E. Paul, Michael and wife Annette, Phillip and wife Anjanetta, Deborah Green and husband Tom, and many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by his brother Myles Davis, sisters Diane Chapman (Charles), and Sherry Mann (Latham), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dearly loved friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to The USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and the Mount Hebron Church Ministries in the name of Donald R. Davis.

His remains will lie in state on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 1-8pm at Small’s Mortuary, Mobile, AL .
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 9:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral hour at Mt. Hebron Church Ministries, 2531 Berkley Avenue, Mobile, AL.

Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens, Mobile, AL.

DIGNIFIED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO SMALL’S MORTUARY, 950 SOUTH BROAD STREET, MOBILE, AL. 36603

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