James Burnell Davis Sr.

July 7, 1932 - October 19, 2019

James Davis, Sr., affectionately known as “JB”, was born on July 7, 1932 in Borden, South Carolina to the late Richard and Mamie Davis Sr. He departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Sumter, South Carolina. “JB” attended school in the Sumter County Public School District. He came to Christ at an early age. He served faithfully as a choir member and grounds keeper at Greater Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church until he was faced with health issues. As an adult, “JB” was employed at Sumter Machinery Inc. and later became the Founder and CEO of Davis Construction Inc. Along with his profession, he had a passion for the land. “JB” spent countless hours on his farm growing crops and raising livestock. “JB” was known for his sugar cane production. In his spare time “JB” enjoyed listening to the Blues, front porch sitting, riding the country roads in his showroom ready Grand Marquis, smoking Tampa Nugget Cigars and watching Sanford and Son. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Varine “Hippie” Davis and four siblings; Richard Davis Sr., Elouise Davis Myers, Wadell “Ray” Davis and Esther Davis Myers. He leaves to mourn six children: Arthur (Geneva) Davis, Corine (Edward) Mays, of Atlanta, GA, Earnestine (Theodore, Jr.) Portee, Naomi Mickens, James Davis Jr., Annie Mae Davis; 3 grandchildren of the home, Angieleka Davis Pendergrass, Michael Clea and Torese Davis; 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.