Rev. Ernest Dudley Davis

Ernest Dudley Davis, 91, husband of the late Shirley Thelma Griffin Davis, peacefully passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ernest was born on January 20, 1934, in Manassas, VA to the late Joseph and Sally Davis. He was the youngest of 8 children.
Ernest attended Brown School in Manassas, VA and attended a Catholic School in Washington, DC while he lived with his older sister. He was also a graduate of the Northern Virginia Baptist Seminary. On June 6, 1959, he married Thelma, the love of his life. Together, they had 2 daughters, Maxine and Michelle. Before retiring many years ago, Ernest worked as a building supervisor for Fairfax County Public Schools. He enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing horseshoes and a good game of checkers.
Ernest dutifully worked in the church, he gave his life to Christ on June 17, 1962, and attended church at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Catharpin, VA where he served as an usher, trustee, and a deacon and where he was licensed to preach the gospel in October 1977. He was ordained in December 1979 and served as the Pastor of Mt. Gilliam Old Site Baptist Church, Louisa, VA from October 1979 to August 1990. After leaving Mt. Gilliam he joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Gainesville, VA where he served as assistant pastor and up until his passing, he was a member of First Baptist Church, Manassas where he was an associate minister and served as Parrish Pastor. He was a member of the Northern Virginia Baptist Ministers Conference, Master/Mason of Midland Masonic Lodge #238 and a 32nd Degree at Warrenton Consistory #315. He was a lifetime member of the Northern Virginia Baptist Association.
Ernest loved attending Minister's Conferences and the Lott Carey Conventions as well as the Northern Virginia Baptist Association Meetings every summer. Many people knew Ernest as a happy and kind-hearted man with a warm smile and was always someone you could call on to help, he would help anyone who needed it. Known for never biting his tongue and telling you exactly what he thought, he was a strong but loving man who loved to make people laugh. He told amazing stories, and he absolutely LOVED reminiscing about the Northern VA Baptist Association sessions and all of the many church events he attended.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Thelma, his daughter, Julia Maxine, 4 brothers (Cashius, Joseph, Dorsey and Carl), and 3 sisters (Eva, Mary, Leona). He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy, his daughters Michelle Davis and Barbara Gaskins; his grandchildren - Joseph Davis, Kailyn Pelham-Younger, Teresa Gaskins, Brittany Gaskins and Mikuel Gaskins, Jr.; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great grandchildren. He also leaves some very special friends: his adopted son Delbert Parks, adopted son and daughter, Lisa and Marvin Goggins (Gladys and Charliehawk), and his personal caregiver, Stella. He wanted to also give thanks and recognition to his neighbor Floyd Williams for shoveling snow and raking leaves in the yard.
Although Ernest is now home resting with the Lord, we rejoice in the great legacy of love, laughter, and beautiful memories he has left us with.