Born October 6, 1921, the life-long resident of Pierce County was a graduate of Blackshear High School and went on to earn a welding certificate.

Davis farmed until he was drafted into the service during World War II. He served in the U.S. 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, Davis

Janell “Jenny” Henderson Davis. They were married for 78 years, and together were blessed with a large family.

Davis 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. Davis 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).

Davis 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 Marshall of the city’s annual Christmas Parade, and was recognized by both the Pierce and Ware County Veterans.

Davis enjoyed attending the 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.

Davis was a life-long member of Beulah Baptist Church where he was in the Senior Adult Sunday school class. He also was a former deacon and member of the Beulah Boys Choir.

In addition to his parents, Davis was also 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 of 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 Jena Callahan (fiancé 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; great-great grandchild, Wrenley Cristobal; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service was held, Wednesday March 26 from the Beulah Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Tuttle, Brother Clay Thomas and J.C. Callahan officiating.

A private burial was held in the church cemetery.

Davis’s grandsons and great grandsons were 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, 31510.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Peason-Dial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.