Deacon Darrel L. Davis

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”

2 Timothy 4:7

Surrounded by his loving family, Deacon Darrel L. Davis answered the Master’s call on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at his residence in Columbia, SC. He was born on October 29, 1967, to Henry P. Davis and Mother Bobbie Jean Davis in Alvin, South Carolina. He was affectionately called “Deacon” by family and friends.

He received his education in the Berkeley County School District and graduated from Macedonia High School in 1985 where he played football and started his electrical trade through Bonneau Vocational School. Darrel furthered his education at Trident Technical College and completed numerous certifications with the Department of Defense.

He began his career as an electrician at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. In 1995, he broadened his professional career and accepted a position as the Director of Facility and Maintenance for Quantico Marine Base, Quantico, Virginia.  In 2015, Darrel decided that he was ready to move back south and accepted the position of Director of Facilities of the 81st RSC Maintenance Team, Fort Jackson US Army Base, Columbia, SC until his death.  Darrel had begun his process to retire in June after 38 years of employment with the Department of Defense.

Darrel married his childhood sweetheart, Veronne Nole on June 3, 1995.  To this union, two beautiful daughters were born, Deandre Janell and Deronne Noel. He was the epitome of a true “Girl Dad”, “Basketball Dad”, “Soccer Dad”, “Volleyball Dad”, “God Dad” and “Uncle Dad”.

At an early age, Darrel accepted Jesus Christ and was an active member of Wesley A.M.E Church, Jamestown, South Carolina until he moved away to Virginia.  He served as Director of Youth Choir, active member of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher, Member of Youth Choir and Xavier Male Choir. He joined Beulah Baptist Church, Woodford, Virginia and was ordained as a Deacon in 2000 where he also served as the Chairman. He was the President of the BBC Male Choir.  He later joined Brookland Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina and continued in the deacon ministry. He was also a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and assisted with the young men’s mentoring group.

Darrel was an all-around family guy who met no stranger. He loved extensive conversations, singing and ministering God’s word to any and every one that he could. He touched many lives through his beautiful voice and love for music.  Darrel enjoyed going on family trips, maintaining his yard, working on his BMW, cooking on his grill, coaching AAU and Parks and Rec girls’ basketball, and loudly cheering on his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. “How Bout Them Cowboys” was a recuring LOUD statement during football season even when they lost.

Darrel loved his family and he showed everyone love. He reminded us often that God is love and we all must love each other just as Christ loved the church.  Although diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in July of 2020, he fought like a champion. As his body began to get weak after suffering a stroke on Good Friday, Darrel never lost his faith. The body got tired, but his faith was stronger than ever. Even in his final weeks he may have been somewhat confused with names, but he never was confused or couldn’t quote or sing God’s Word.  One of the last songs he wanted to hear was, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand”.

Darrel was preceded in death by his father, Henry P. Davis and his brother, Reynaldo Singleton as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Darrel’s memory will be treasured forever by his wife of 28 years, Veronne Nole Davis, two loving daughters, Deandre Janell and Deronne Noel Davis all of Columbia, SC; his loving mother, Bobbie Jean Davis, Shulerville, SC; brothers,  Bruce (Mattie) Davis, Columbia, SC; Raynard (Monica) Pinckney, Shulerville, SC; sister, Lamona (Anthony) Whaley, San Antonio, TX; his mother-in-law, Vivian P. Nole, Shulerville, SC; his sister-in-law, LeChele (Wilford) Brown, Shulerville SC; God Parents:  Deacon Alvin & Valores Kay and Melvin & Sylvia Sample, Fredericksburg, VA; God Children, Montiqua Price, Orlando, FL and Aleya Jackson, Fredericksburg, VA; special nieces:  Tiana Davis, Columbia, SC and Dakeera Nole, Shulerville, SC; special nephews: Bruce Chad Davis, Columbia, SC and Jyron Pinckney, Norfolk, VA; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives, friends and special recognition of his squad from Macedonia High Class of 1985.  

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Gethers Funeral Home, Moncks Corner, SC. 

Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 19, 2023, 12:00 p.m., at Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29169, with viewing from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. There will be no viewing after the service. Interment will be in Wesley AME Church Cemetery, 2883 French Santee Road, Jamestown, SC 29453.

The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facbook.com/gethersfh