Frederick Nelson Davis Jr.

Frederick Nelson Davis Jr. affectionately known as "Rusty" was born on August 22,1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rusty was a loving father who passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Rusty was born to Frederick Nelson Davis Sr. "Sonny" from Helana Arkansas and Dorothy Davis (nee Cantrell) from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Our Pops went by a few names: Frederick, Fred, Freddyred, Dad, Daddy, Brother, Uncle, Granddad, Big-Poppa, Poppa, Pops and most of all Rusty!

As the eldest son of eight siblings, Fred took on a supportive and guiding role, always looking out for his brothers and sisters. The Davis family first made their home in the Cumminsville/Millville neighborhood of Cincinnati before settling in Park Town on Linn Street. He attended grade school at St. Pius Catholic school, Garfield middle school and later graduated from Central High School now known as "Cincinnati State Technical College". He played drums in the school band and loved music. He would hang his album covers on the wall as decorations. When he played baseball in school, Dave Parker was a freshman on the team and Dad was a senior. While in High School, he developed sewing skills and used them to create clothing.

Rusty found joy in fishing, golfing, playing cards and bowling and he never missed a chance to watch his favorite sports and westerns. He loved the quiet challenge of a good crossword puzzle.

Dad worked multiple jobs at times to take care of his family. He worked for the City of Cincinnati for over 30 years and retired in 2005!

Our Dad loved to help the veterans by donating food, clothing and time.

Dad will be remembered for that smile displaying his two gold teeth, sharing life stories, listening and learning from others and spending time with his family. Pops loved to laugh and was always up for a good time. Dad was just hilarious and animated in his conversations. He never liked drama and always wanted the best for everyone.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Frederick Nelson Davis Sr. "Sonny" and Dorothy (Cantrell) Davis. Wife, Lillie Mae Key-Davis. Siblings: Fredrena "Rena" Davis, Mark "Tony" Davis, Paula Davis and Vincent Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Siblings, Victor (Carmen) Davis, Debra (Bruce) Davis and Pam Davis. Children: Dorinda (Paris) Cox, Denise (Mervon) Hickson, Brian (Donna) Key. Grandchildren: Rayshawn Hickson, Erica (Corey) Jeffries, Keith Hickson and Sonya Hickson. Cynthia Rice (former wife, mother of Dorinda and Denise.) Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Great-nieces and nephews, Great-grandchildren, friends, family and neighbors.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Davis family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Davis family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.