David H. Davis Jr.

1946 - 2019

David H. Davis, Jr., a gregarious New Orleans native and retired retail executive, died June 25, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. He was 73. Born February 11, 1946 to Vera Tenette Davis and David H. Davis, Sr., Dave was a proud product of New Orleans's 7th Ward and its African American Catholic education system. He attended Corpus Christi Elementary, St. Augustine High School and Xavier University. As a child, he worked alongside his cousins in the family restaurant, Dooky Chase's. He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Dave was outgoing and social, always smiling and making new friends. He was quick to invent affectionate nicknames for friends, and he loved nothing more than telling a funny story. Even after his illness began to take a toll, Dave joked with every doctor and nurse he had contact with, and all remembered him fondly. On September 2, 1967, he married his 7th Ward sweetheart, Sandra Cobette. The large Cobette extended family embraced Dave, and he considered his brothers-in-law to be his best buddies (his "running partners," as he liked to say). He and Sandra were married 34 years before she passed away in July, 2002. Dave had two children - a son Kevin and a daughter Nikki - whom he steadfastly supported through school and beyond. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, Sophia, Sebastian and Noah, who called him "Popi." He often traveled out of state to celebrate their birthdays and academic and artistic achievements, always bringing gifts. Dave was a 21-year-old newlywed when he was hired by Sears Roebuck & Co. in 1967. He soon entered their management trainee program and remained with the company for over 36 years. In that time, Dave held 17 assignments for Sears, mostly in senior management and human resources, where he focused on promoting equity for employees of color and women. He was transferred by the company many times, working in Atlanta, Chicago and Puerto Rico, among other locations. His last assignment was in Orlando, Florida. He retired in June, 2003. Dave always took pride in being sharply dressed. He loved his lush, blooming garden, and he never turned down a chance to go fishing. Above all, Dave took care of business. He was organized and methodical at work and at home. He carried a briefcase every day, even years after retirement. He was determined to leave no burdens behind, only a positive legacy for his children and grandchildren – and he did just that. Dave even wrote his own obituary. His granddaughter Sophia typed it up for him last year. He ended it with these words: "Of all life's accomplishments, he is most proud of the following: Marrying Sandra Cobette, Having two great kids, three grandchildren, lots of friends, and working on the presidential campaign for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012." Dave is preceded in death by his father David H. Davis Sr.; mother Vera Tenette Davis; sister Verda Merlyn Bryant; and wife Sandra Cobette Davis. He is survived by his children Nikki Davis Crump (spouse, Paul Crump) and Kevin Davis (spouse, Erin Texeira); grandchildren Noah Crump, Sophia Davis, and Sebastian Davis. Services: Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 11 am, Ashe Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA. Repast: 12:30-2:30 pm at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA.