James Winton Davis Sr.

"Well, Jimmy finally died." Should you hear someone say this, know that I hung in there as long as I could. Like the Biblical Lazarus, I have fallen asleep in death. He was resurrected by Jesus Christ. That is my hope.
As you probably surmised, I am writing my own obituary.
I have been preceded in death by my father and mother, Ennis Winton Davis and Mary Lockley Davis, and my sister, Marcia Davis Barfield.
I was born in Vidalia, Georgia, February 7, 1942. I spent my formative years with my maternal grandparents, Myles Preston "Buddy" Lockley and Doris Lockley. They were "Buddy and Mama Doris" to me. "Mama Doris" was the sweetest, kindest person I have ever known. My years with them were some of the happiest I have ever experienced. Their home was my home until I reached school age. I then moved to town with my parents, but spent every summer with "Mama Doris and Buddy".
I attended Vidalia Public School where I was an all "A" student until I got to high school. I was a so-so student until one day my dad drove home in a shiny new GTO. He bought it off the showroom floor in Baxley, GA. He threw the keys to me. I became very popular.
After high school, I was employed by Georgia Power Company. Being a lineman was a different experience. At the top of a 70 foot creosote pole in the heat of summer and the frigid cold of winter is the hottest and coldest job I ever had. Only another lineman could relate.
During this phase of my life, I married and my first child, James Winton Davis, Jr., was born. My job kept me on the road through the week. But on weekends I had the best buddy ever. He was my constant companion and the joy of my life.
Several years later when I worked for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, my second son, Jason Ford Hester Davis, was born. I was a fortunate man.
My marriage ended and I got out of the newspaper business. Eventually, I met and married the young lady who proved to be the love of my life, Audrey Dale Brooks. A little over a year later, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Misty Brooke Davis. My son's mother also remarried and had a little girl, Courtney James. Whenever Dale and I had the boys visit, Courtney came also, so Misty had a sister to enjoy. Sometimes things simply work out.
My regrets have been few. I have had the wonderful privilege of watching all my children grow up to become productive members of society. My wife loves me unconditionally. She is the sunshine of my life. I have a few of the best friends I could have ever hoped to have. I have a strong faith, for what more could a man have asked of life. The world has changed so much since I was born. To all of you that I leave behind, fare well.
Jimmy.
A memorial service for Jimmy will be held, the time and place to be announced. Per his wife's request; "Please wear your craziest 'Bama clothes, even if not a fan. Jimmy was a fan of you".
Cox Funeral Home, Hamilton, GA, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit the tribute link on this page to share a memory or to leave condolences for the family.