Rev. Dr. David Davis Jr.

1941 - 2025

The Reverend Doctor David Gwynn Davis, Jr. passed on August 14, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Midlothian, Virginia, with his daughter Heather and friend Frank at his side. Preferring to go by his middle name, Gwynn, he made fast friends with the hospital staff that cared for him and in a short time made a lasting impression.

Born on March 14, 1941, in Newport News, Virginia, Gwynn spent his life in service to others as a Baptist minister and Licensed Professional Counselor. After earning his undergraduate degree from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, he taught high school English before attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned master's degrees in theology and divinity and his Doctor of Ministry. Gwynn's particular empathy for those suffering trauma led him to co-found the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center in 1973 and earn his Expert in Traumatic Stress certification from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Gwynn applied his education and his growing life experience to serve numerous Virginia congregations including Stockton Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond, Stevens Memorial Baptist Church in Newport News and Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Henrico.

Between his pastorates at Stevens Memorial and Poplar Springs, Gwynn served as the director of the Department of Family and Christian Life at the Virginia Baptist General Board. In that role, Gwynn ministered and counseled other pastors to equip them to best serve their congregations. He led Minister Support Ministries, designed a Family Enrichment Specialist certification program and wrote widely for ministry and mental health publications.

In 2007, immediately following his completion of service at Poplar Springs Baptist, Gwynn was invited by Mr. Bill Korman to serve as chaplain at Korman Signs, Inc., which Mr. Korman founded in 1975. Gwynn served in this chaplain role until his passing.

While Gwynn valued his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy came from time with his daughter, son and grandchildren, particularly in the outdoors. Gwynn enjoyed visiting national parks across the United States and recently completed a wonderful, cross-country road trip with his daughter, Heather, and grandson, Ryan. His favorite pastime was fly fishing, especially with his grandson, Luke, and his dear friend, Joe Archibeque, who lives in Montana.

An avid outdoorsman, Gwynn was a member for more than 50 years of the James River Rod & Gun Club. He believed that communing with nature in activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing and hunting could calm one's soul and help deal with life's stressful challenges. To that end, he often led Appalachian Trail hikes for ministers whom he counseled. An ornithologist, Gwynn took delight in watching the variety of birds that visited his feeders. He shared his love of classical music, John Denver, philosophy, sports and the state of Montana with anyone who expressed common interests.

Gwynn is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rebecca Hoyle Davis, his children, Benjamin Davis (Lauren) and Heather Zerbe, and his two grandsons, Luke Davis and Ryan Zerbe. He is also survived by Shirley Davis, widow of his brother Robert. He is preceded in passing by his parents, Agnes and David G. Davis, Sr., his twin sister Joanne Lazarus and his younger brother Robert Davis.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at Huguenot Road Baptist Church in Midlothian, Virginia, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception at the church. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, Gwynn suggested donations to the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center in Hampton, Virginia, at https://peninsulapastoral.org. There is a wonderful video featuring Gwynn at https://peninsulapastoral.org/our-timeline.