Shawn Marcus Davis, 34, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in Denton after a happy and meaningful holiday weekend with the people he loved most Memorial service: 7 p.m. Thursday at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. He was born April 7, 1977, in Raleigh, N.C., to Charles and Jean Davis. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 1995 and lived in the Arlington and Grand Prairie area for several years before moving in 2001 to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he lived with his wife, Renee. At the time of his death, he worked at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Education. Shawn was also a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was pursuing a degree in public administration. Shawn was an avid sports enthusiast and walking baseball encyclopedia. He especially loved the North Carolina State Wolfpack, Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Shawn also loved music and guitar, and just saw his all-time favorite band, Slobberbone, in concert in the hours before he passed. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Macon Davis; paternal grandfather, Charles Macon Davis; maternal grandfather, J. Harold Arwood; and maternal grandmother, Mildred Arwood. Shawn was an amazing, hilarious, generous and tremendously adored son, brother, uncle, friend and "Smoobear." He will live in our hearts forever. Survivors: His "Smoobear" and wife of 13 years, Renee Cox of Pittsburgh, Pa.; mother, Jean Davis of Grand Prairie; sister, Vanessa Sadler, and brother-in-law, John Sadler, of Midlothian; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dennis and Wanda Cox of Mount Pleasant; brother-in-law, Jason Cox of Rockwall; sister-in-law, Jennifer LaPrade of Plano; nieces, Catlyn and Lily Davis of Midlothian; nephew, Blake LaPrade of Plano; many relatives from North Carolina including Grandmother Catherine Davis, Uncle Judd and Aunt Sue Arwood; Aunt Kelly and Uncle Frank Stewart; Uncle Phil and Aunt Becky Davis; Uncle Paul Davis. He is also survived by Mike and Pam Davis of Georgia; cat, Mr. Willie Cox-Davis of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and numerous treasured friends who loved him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Jan. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Shawn Davis

21 Entries

Kenny Ogletree

December 29, 2023

Miss you every day, my friend.

Wanda Cox

December 30, 2012

It has been almost a year since Shawn died and the pain is still severe for his Mom and family. My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are with them at this time. He will always be loved and missed by our family.

Wanda Cox

December 30, 2012

Shawn was such a kind caring person and we miss him so much. It is still such a difficult time to be without him. I especially wish peace for my daughter, Renee, because she feels like she has lost half of herself. I have never met two people who were so perfect for each other.

Brent Johnson

February 9, 2012

Dear Renee,
I worked with Shawn at the University of Pittsburgh for the past five years. He was a lot of fun to work with and he always had a great sense of humor. I last saw him at our holiday party right before the winter break and I made it a point to talk with him as I was taking a leave of absence. I'm so glad I was able to tell him that he was one of the "coolest" people I ever worked with and my career spans 40 years. I considered him a great co-worker and a dear friend. His passing came as a great shock and he will be missed by all who knew him. Work will never be the same without him so I don't think I'll be going back. God bless you and know that he touched a lot of lives.

January 16, 2012

MY FAMILY AND I LOVED , APPRECIATED, VALUED AND WILL ALWAYS MISS SHAWN. HE AND RENEE TOOK GOOD CARE OF EACH OTHER AND WERE PERFECTLY MATCHED. RENEE'S MOM , WANDA COX AND FAMILY

Kari Johnston

January 8, 2012

The loss of Shawn is such a tragedy - I still can't believe it. I am having such a hard time writing this.

My heart goes out to all of Shawn's family and friends. As you know, Shawn was an extraordinarily giving person who touched so many lives and he is truly missed.

I was very fortunate to have met Shawn a number of times but I wish I had spent more time with him. He was such an amazing and true friend to my husband, Mike. The conversations Mike would share with me about Shawn and their “antics” together made me realize how much of a hilarious, thoughtful and kind person Shawn was to be around. We are very lucky to have known him.

Kelly Stewart

January 7, 2012

My last memories of Shawn is when he made a surprise visit to Raleigh, NC over the July 4th holiday a couple of years ago. Vanessa, his sister, was instrumental in organizing Shawn's secret surprise visit. None of his Raleigh family were expecting to see him. I remember driving up to his grandmother's house and seeing a "stranger" sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. I got out of my car and in walking closer I happily realized that it was Shawn. He looked the spitting image of his father (my brother), Chuck. It was a double blessing to be with Shawn in person and with Chuck in spirit. I enjoyed talking with Shawn and catching up on things. Now I guess he's catching up on things with his dad, grandparents and with other loved ones who have gone before him. Life happens. We grow up, we scatter about the country to live and work in different places, we lose connections, we reconnect. Life is unpredictable. People leave us for different reasons and at times we don't expect. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future and make it better to honor the ones we have loved and lost. I encourage those who read this to reconnect with your family often, tell them you love them, spend time together as often as you can and make the best of that time, have fun, support each other in good times and bad, let go of past hurts, and embrace fogiveness and healing. Here's to Shawn! Thank you for being a part of my life. I love you, Aunt Kelly

Seth Yandell

January 6, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Shawn was a great friend through high school, we had so many fun times together. I still think about him often, and wished I could have reconnected with him. He had a great personality, a terrific sense of humor, and was always willing to help a friend. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Oladoyin Desalu

January 6, 2012

On behalf of the AIDS Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania (ACSWP), our deepest condolences to Renee and Shawn's family.
Doyin Desalu, Executive Director

Paul Cooley

January 6, 2012

Renee,

I'm so sorry for you loss. I never got to know Shawn, but he was obviously a wonderful person.

January 5, 2012

I would like to express my condolences to Shawn's Family. It has been many many years since we've last talked or hung out. The fun time and memories we had growing up dates back from Elementary through High school. RIP Shawn

PS - Tell your pops thanks for the basketball lessons

-Jerry Bao

Jason Sandoval

January 5, 2012

Shawn and I shared many great early childhood memories together, from pee-wee football to father and son basketball games,etc. He always showed great character and compassion in all that he did. Although I hadn't had the chance to see or speak with him for many years, I will always be thankful that i had the privelage to know him and call him my friend. Shawn, your memory will always be alive with me. R.I.P old friend.

Gaylon & Nancy Brown

January 5, 2012

Renee',
We are heartbroken for your loss and are so sorry we cannot come to Shawn's services. We know how much you and your entire family loved him. Love like that is priceless. We love you, Honey.

Shana Nixon

January 5, 2012

Jean, Vanessa and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. So many memories of Shawn from our younger days. Now he is your guardian angel watching over you.

Lynn Mays

January 5, 2012

My sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and son. Death is truly an enemey, but God feels your loss. He promises that the time time will come when death will be done away with forever.

Eric Vermillion

January 4, 2012

Shawn was a good man. I'm truly grateful to have known him.

Tera Willhelm

January 4, 2012

Jean & Vanessa and family,

My heart is still aching for your loss. Although I had not seen Shawn in a long time I have very fond memories of us growing up. He will be missed so much.

Melinda Campopiano

January 4, 2012

A good person is missed even by those who never knew him. With deep sympathy for your great loss.

Anthony Silvestre

January 4, 2012

With gratitude for all Shawn did for others and with deep sorrow for all who will miss him.

Kenny Ogletree

January 4, 2012

There are not enough words to express how much Shawn meant to me and my life. He was the jokester I always wanted to be, the brother I never had, the friend who made your day with just a phone call. You will be missed, my brother.

jeff davis

January 4, 2012

Even though I had never met Shawn, his obituary sounds like someone that I'd have been proud to call a friend. I hope the family is remembering the good times and is taking solace in those memories. Peace.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results