Ezzard Charles ‘Chief’ Davis
A celebration of life for Ezzard Charles “Chief” Davis was held Saturday, July 13, 2024, Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello. Rev./Dr. Jimmy Horton, pastor. Rev. Preston Campbell, eulogist
Ezzard Charles Davis was born on September 8, 1953 in Monticello. He was the first child born to the marriage of young parents, Eddie and Emma Jane Davis. Besides his loving parents, Ezzard was nurtured by his deceased maternal grandmother, Emma Lizzie Gantt. He was also considered a son by and had a close bond with his deceased stepmother, Gloria Billingslea Davis. Ezzard was called to his eternal home on July 4, 2024, at the age of 70.
During his childhood, Ezzard, became affectionately known as “Chief”. Ezzard was a loving father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. The void left behind by Chief’s untimely passing will be as large as his outsized spirit. However, all of the wonderful memories and love he shared with his family and friends will last forever.
As a child and at an early age, Ezzard joined Springfield Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member until his passing. Ezzard received his formative education in Monticello, initially from Jasper County Training School and later graduated from Monticello High School in 1971.
As an adult, Ezzard worked at Georgia Pacific in Monticello and Mobile Chemical Company in Covington, where he learned his trade as a machinist and where he would later retire. After his company retirement, Ezzard didn’t quite officially stop working. Life activities kept him going and quite busy.
He was very handy and he loved to build and fix things. He also loved cutting grass with his zero turn mower, which became his secondary way of living. Those who knew Chief well, could attest to the fact that he was an avid sports fan; he particularly loved, football and softball.
His hobbies were fishing, playing cards, and throwing horseshoes. But most people near and far who knew Chief, knew he was all about tracking and keeping up with professional sports. These interests allowed Chief to make and maintain friendships wherever he went. Chief had a sense of humor like no other and if you ever encountered him, he’d be sure to make you laugh.
As his health began to decline, Ezzard had devoted warriors by his side that included his dedicated mother, Emma Jane (there’s nothing like a mother’s love), his children, SaToya and Kyle, his long-time companion, Felicia, and his siblings, Evelyn and Donnis. All went above and beyond attending to his care and comfort.
Ezzard was proceeded in death by his father, Eddie Davis, and his younger brother Eddie Carl Davis.
Ezzard leaves to cherish his memories his beloved mother, Emma Jane Banks Davis; sons Kyle Farrell Davis (Ashunta) of Ellenwood, Dwan Pennamon of Monticello, and Derrick Pennamon (Victoria) of Flovilla; daughter, Satoya Nelson of Monticello; brother: Donnis Pernell Davis (Gladys) of Stone Mountain; sisters, Evelyn Davis Boyden of Ellenwood, Lisa Davis Wall of Rochester, NY, Traci Davis-Taylor of Rochester, NY, Robin Davis of Rochester NY and Vanessa Davis of San Diego, CA.
Also, grandchildren: Quavante’ Nelson, Shaliyah Griffin, Kyle Davis Jr. and Kyler Chief Davis; great-grandson, Josiah Nelson; devoted uncle, Tony C. Epps; ex-wife and friend, Bonnie J. Davis. Also, long-time companion and friend, Felicia Jackson and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Final arrangements entrusted to Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 923 Funderburg Drive. Monticello, Georgia 31064; 706-468-6625; smithfunhm@bellsouth.net/www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticelloga.com