John Marshall Davis Jr.

1945 - 2025

John Marshall Davis, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025 at his home. He was born on July 11, 1945 in Natchez, Mississippi to John and Gladys Davis. He had one brother, Jimmy, who predeceased him along with his parents whom he loved dearly. John was known by several names - Johnny or Big John to his friends and family, Mr. Johnny to the many young people he taught how to raise and show cattle, Mr. Davis to the many kids he helped to get their GED and further their education and, his favorite, Dat Dat to his children and grandchildren.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn, who together have dedicated their lives to their children, grandchildren, and family, his devoted and caring daughter, Dawn Davis Carson (Jeff), and his loving son, Joe Marshall Davis (Jennie), his granddaughter, Katie Davis, and his grandson, John MacGregor Davis (Wynn). Through them his memory will live on.

Johnny proudly served his country in the 270th Company of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. He then worked for Jim Buck Ross at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture before joining the Farmers Home Administration for 20 years. After his retirement he began teaching Agriculture at Myrtle School and it was a most rewarding experience for the next 12 years.

Johnny was an active member of Bethlehem Methodist Church and looked forward to seeing his church family each Sunday. New Haven Center always had a special place in his heart and he was ever ready to help when they called. Johnny loved sports. He was a member of the Little Ten Champion Football Team, and he coached hundreds of kids in little league football, softball and baseball.

Anyone who knew him knew his love of Angus cattle. He was always ready to go to a show or sale. He was a lifelong member of the American Angus Association and Mississippi Angus Association. He served as President of the Northeast Mississippi Angus Association, Mississippi Angus Association, and Union County Fair Board. Johnny judged hundreds of county fairs, state preview shows, and regional shows. He loved working the ring, auctioneering and managing cattle sales. He and the family traveled thousands of miles chasing that next banner. Mostly, he enjoyed seeing his friends at the shows and sales. Johnny always had a story to tell, a helping hand for those who needed it and a friendly poke at those he loved. His proudest moments came when his children and grandchildren or young folks he helped had their pictures taken under the backdrop.

Visitation will be at the Chapel at United Funeral Home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Monday, December 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Dr. Jeff Lawrence will officiate with Brother C.W. Franks assisting. Burial will be in the Old New Albany Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Sam Cooper, Jerry Davis, Benny Little, Randy Lyons, Tracy Rodgers, Glenn Speck, Jimmy Venable, and Vance Witt.

Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Brown, Jeremy Davis, Justin Davis, Tracy Davis, Randy McWhirter, Bernie Scheer, Gordon Schubert, and David Whaley.

Memorial donations may be made to New Haven Center for Special Needs Adults or Bethlehem Methodist Church.

United Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with these services.

/