Rev. Leonard John Davis

1940 - 2023

Rev. Leonard John Davis

June 29, 1940 - March 7, 2023

The Reverend Leonard John Davis Sr., age 82, of Wytheville, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born June 29, 1940, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Reverend John Edward Davis and Bessie Betty Addison-Davis.

The Reverend Leonard Davis had a servant's heart, a passion for serving others. He was first licensed as a minister within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 2nd and 3rd Districts in 1972. The Reverend Davis pastored for over 40 years diligently serving the church and surrounding community before retiring active ministry from his final pastoral assignment at Saint John AME Church, Roanoke, Virginia in 2015.

Leonard possessed a kind and loving spirit. His soft eyes and gentle smile made one feel secure and comfortable. Leonard thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was happiest fellowshipping with loved ones, engaging in community outreach, satisfying his robust appetite of fine dining, gardening, viewing old western movies and maintaining his tropical fish aquarium. Leonard's personal life motto was, "Take each day at a time, Enjoy each day to the fullest, Each day is a blessing from God."

Leonard is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Carrie Blanche Davis; three sons, David Devell Davis of Augusta, Ga., Leonard John Davis Jr. of Mableton, Ga., and Derrick Andrew Davis of Wytheville, Va.; five daughters, Linda Marie (Paul) Hawkins of Wentzville, Mo., Kimela Katrice (Reverend Theodore) Curtis of Moore, Okla., Jessica Lennette Holley-Davis (Jason Edwards) of Bluefield, W.Va., Alisha Denise Hicks (Chris Lee) of Wytheville, Va., Ambria Brandy Davis (Milton Dale II) of Wytheville, Va., Carlos and Ginger Garrett, Lexington, N.C., and numerous other foster children, 20 adoring grandchildren ,and 15 great-grandchildren who loved their grandfather dearly.

Leonard was a proud military veteran. Drafted in 1967, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era for a short period. Leonard was faithful member of Bethel AME Church, Wytheville, Virginia; Masonic Order at Allegheny-Dunbar Number 109 Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia; Order of Easter Star Glasco, Virginia; Order of Ellen Earley Chapter Number 209.

Funeral services held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Barnett Funeral Home. The Reverend Vanessa Baldwin, pastor of Bethel AME Church will officiate over the service. Retired Presiding Elders Archie Richmond and James Beatty will conduct the eulogy. The Wake viewing will be held from 11 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. Interment will follow at West End Cemetery, Wytheville, Va. The Repass will be held at Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville, Va. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va. is serving the Davis family.

The Davis family expresses their most sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the families, friends and communities for the caring and gracious support they've received during this period of transition. Thank you!

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:21