Tyrone Davis

On February 9, 2005, at 12:00 noon, the Angel of Silence came and carried the soul of our beloved Tyrone Davis over Jordan’s stormy waters into the everlasting flow of eternity.

Tyrone Davis was born May 4, 2938 in Greenville, Mississippi to the union of Rev. Willie Branch and the late Ora Davis-Branch. He attended school in Arcola, Mississippi.

At an early age, he married Ruby Lee Dallas, and to that union, three children were born. The marriage was later dissolved.

Tyrone moved to Chicago in 1959.

On September 28, 1963, he was united in holy matrimony with Annie Sloan, and to this union, one child was born.

Tyrone was a legend in his own time. He was a very classy, unique and talented entertainer. His singing was a gift from God that was discovered at a very early age. His life is a true success story, from the cotton fields of Mississippi, his rise to fame was built step by step, as he hurdled over many obstacles. None of which kept him from perceiving, believing or achieving his goals, or making his dreams a reality. Tyrone gave God the glory for bringing him through many miraculous experiences. He lived a good life and he realized he was richly blessed.

He was ambitious, strong-willed, humorous, hard-working, generous and good-hearted. He was outspoken and had no problem expressing himself in any given situation.

Tyrone Davis was an “Icon” in the music industry. A world-renowned star who was a source of encouragement as he touched and influenced many lives. He had numerous hits and gold records such as, the ever popular “Can I Change My Mind,” “Turn Back the Hands of Time,” “Without You in My Life,” “ There it Is,” “I Had it All the Time,” “In the Mood,” “Are You Serious,” “Standing Here Knocking,” “Mom’s Apple Pie”… and many more.

Tyrone’s producer/songwriter, Leo Graham, was with him for 36 years. His band was the awesome Platinum Band. Over the years, he had many band members, but there are three young men who were with him for 26 years; the band leader and guitarist, Kenneth (Hollywood) Scott, his road manager and trumpet player, Darryl Thompson, and on trombone, Fred Johnson.

Over the years, Tyrone had many chauffeurs and bus drivers with him; the longest were Bob Florida, Wilbert Williams, and Walter Pearson.

Tyrone was the recipient of many awards, and was given the key to many cities for providing positive African American Leadership in the entertainment field. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

He was a loving and devoted Son, Husband, Father brother, uncle, cousin, and a loyal friend.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, a loving wife of 42 years, Ann Davis; five daughters, Bobby Grant of Chicago, IL, Joyce Branch of Bolingbrook, IL, Mildred Norals-McKinney, and Sheine Barnes of Chicago, Tyronza Holloway of Hinsdale; two sons-in-law, Thomas J. McKinney of Chicago and Johnny Holloway, Jr. of Hinsdale, IL; a loving father, Rev. Willie Branch of Saginaw, Michigan; one uncle, Walter James of Leland, Mississippi; three sisters, Pearl Johnson, Earlene Thompson of Chicago, and Willa Marselis of Saginaw; and his sister in Christ, Jean Davis-Cook of Nashville, TN; three brothers, Jimmy Jones of Chicago, Henry Davis of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Leroy Branch of Saginaw; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Woolfolk, Darrion Branch, Karl Norals, Princess Andersen, Larry Barnes, Jr., Franchesca and Jonathan Holloway; seven great-grandchildren, Tony Branch, Devonte Branch, Khaliah Norals, Miles L. Woolfolk, Jase L. Woolfolk, Christian L. Woolfolk, and Kedar L. Woolfolk; three god children, Tiffany, Miranda and Remont; a special grandson, Max; three sisters-in-law, Eva Headd of Seattle, Washington, Betty Sloan, and Addie Farland of Chicago; two special friends, Christine and Charles (Bennie) Davie of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of other relatives and friends.