“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”
Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)
I have often shared my sweet Daddy with you, our dear readers. I think many of you felt like you knew him through his life stories which I’ve passed along. My precious Daddy passed away peacefully on March 26th (our Emma’s birthday) surrounded by his family.
Coy Davis was born October 6, 1930 during the depths of the Great Depression. The depression had an effect on almost everyone in Daddy’s world and those years molded people for a lifetime. That may have been part of the reason Daddy was always content and loved simple things. The main reason however, was his response to the truths of scripture, as he chose to live by those principles. The words of Paul to the Philippians sum up the way Daddy lived life and loved life… “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:11-13)
Daddy grew up in St. Clair County, Alabama. After graduating from Pell City High School in 1948, he was offered a basketball scholarship from Auburn University, but chose to play professional baseball instead, signing with the Cleveland Indians Organization. His baseball career abruptly ended when he was drafted into the army!
He entered the military during the Korean War, was seriously wounded by a land mine, and was later awarded a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Daddy was a part of a survey team that operated ahead of the front lines. The surveyors were a special group that had great skills, being selected for the mission based on Army test scores.
Upon coming home, top priority was seeing that beautiful dark-eyed girl he had briefly met at a restaurant where she worked as cashier. God’s providence is always at work as Daddy was elected to pay for the group’s final meal at home, as the future soldiers were departing that day. Handwritten letters and long waits were the only way to get to know each other in those days. After returning home in October, Daddy and Mother were married December 24, 1952. My brother and I grew up in a Christian home, bathed in love, calm, security, and contentment, under the care of the two finest parents anyone could ever have. Daddy and Mother shared 54 wonderful, loving years together. Daddy retired from the U.S. Postal System with 35 years of service, where he received a special award for having never been late for work! Amazingly, they were able to spend so much sweet, quality time together, as Daddy had been retired 18 years when Mother suddenly passed away in 2007.
Daddy was known affectionately as Pawpaw by his 3 grandchildren. Pawpaw may have offered a little advice to Seth on his wedding day, but the real impact on him as a man was a Pawpaw that lived a consistent, unwavering, life of character and steadfastness before him! Seth, and cousins Joel and Hannah were blessed to grow up near him and Mother, spending countless hours in their loving home!
Pawpaw had 9 great-grandchildren, 2 girls and 7 boys. EM, EK, and WL, along with their parents, had pizza night weekly with Daddy, a tradition started by their daddy 18 years ago. They were all being clowns this particular evening, and Pawpaw loved every second of it! This was March 13, the last pizza party.
We were so blessed that Daddy had the opportunity to see Daniel and hold him. Without a doubt, this little one will hear countless stories about his Pawpaw. And, we are fortunate to live in a time when photos are so much a part of every day life. The influence of a man like my Daddy spans generations!
Celebrating my 71st birthday last October with Daddy was filled with precious moments, a time for which I’m more grateful now than ever. To have him in my life for over 71 years was truly one of heaven’s blessings!
Christian…Loving…Kind…Gentle…Humble…Compassionate…Consistent
My heart is broken, he was the best Daddy a girl could have. I know he is present with the Lord, and I rejoice in that promise, knowing too, that my Mother is also in the eternal presence of the Heavenly Father!
I wish to thank all of you for prayers, messages, emails, flowers, gifts, and cards. Your love and support has been a source of encouragement and comfort!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
This is a beautiful tribute to your father who had a wonderful life. Wishing you continued peace and strength.