Charles Stephen Davis

1938 - 2013

Charles Stephen Davis passed away peacefully on March 28, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in North Braddock, PA on November 27, 1938 to John Richard Davis and Helen Regina (Stanek) Davis. He spent his life living first in suburban Washington DC and then in Panama City, FL.

He was married to the former Jeraldine June (Jerri) Pearson on November 14, 1956. In their marriage, they were blessed with nine children. In addition to raising their own children, he and Jerri raised her 3 sisters as their own.

Charles (Charley) started a stereotype apprenticeship in 1957 and worked for the Washington Post Newspaper. In 1966, he was elected President of the International Stereotypers' & Electrotypers' Local Union 19. He served in that capacity until 1974, when the local merged with the Local Pressman Union, which then forced a merger on the international level. Charles became vice president of the combined Union, which the reliably liberal newspaper committed itself to and then successfully broke the union without a hint of irony.

As Charley would later say, "losing the fight with the Post was the best thing that ever happened" to him, as it brought him to Panama City in June of 1976. Charles and Jerri were the owners and proprietors of D's Oyster Bar in Callaway from 1976 until 2002. Charles then started volunteering for RL Gay Catering.

He was a good and loyal friend to many people of all walks of life. Because of his generosity and love for the military, he was admitted as an honorary member of the AmVets Post 2298. Charles' love for children and family moved him to be one of the original sponsors of girl's softball in Callaway. He also sponsored the boys baseball, multiple bowling teams and was a member of the Rutherford Century Club, where 8 of his 9 children graduated from high school.

His home and restaurant became a home away from home for many young service men and women who always found a place at the table and even a stocking hung on the fireplace at Christmas. He enjoyed cooking for his large extended family, which is a tradition he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

When he could break away from the restaurant, he enjoyed water sports, scalloping, crabbing and fishing with his children. He was a champion at trivia, ping pong, cards, golf and an accomplished pianist. His love for the Washington Redskins was matched by his disdain for the Dallas Cowboys. In spite of the fact almost all of his children went to UF, he was an avid FSU fan. He was his own man. Charles had a great wit and had an uncanny way of being a peacemaker. He and Jerri are members of High Praise Worship Center in Callaway. His greatest joy in life was his family.

Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jerri (Pearson) Davis, nine children, Elisa Davis of Panama City, FL, JuliAnne DelMonego (Robert)of Tallahasse, FL, Charlotte Elenberger(Rick) of Longwood, FL, Damian Davis (Jane) of Seattle, WA, Brian Davis (Diane)of Scottsdale, AZ, Gabrielle Ward (Pete) of Cumming, GA, Stefaney Caro (Matt) of Cumming, GA, Laura McLauchlin (Matt) of Jacksonville, FL and Megan Irvine (Ryan) of Ventura, CA. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and by his sister, Grace Asselta (Rocco) of Plum Burrough, PA. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jack and sister Eileen Davis Petrillo.
The family is planning a celebration of life at the end of June.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rescue Mission or The School of Music at High Praise Worship Center.
Brock's Home Town
Funeral Home
5907 Highway 22
Callaway, Fla. 32404
850-874-0818