Wallace Dean Davis

“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in Vain” WALLACE DEAN DAVIS, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, associate and former Mayor of East Cleveland, was dedicated to his profession and goal to serve people. Wallace Dean Davis, the second child of the late Daniel Robert and Bernice Elizabeth Davis, was born November 3, 1929, at home, 1018 Foster Street, Youngstown, Ohio. At that time, some family members called him “Little Owley” because of his big eyes. However, his doting mother immediately dubbed him “A Little Gentleman” – a name he sought and maintained throughout his life. As a youngster, attending Oak Hill Avenue A.M.E. Church, he and a group of others, organized Boy Scout Troop #3. Wallace, or Wally, as he was affectionately called by his sisters, Louise and Beryl, graduated from South High School. After which he worked as a tow truck driver at his uncle Orie’s garage. In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three assignments at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the Great Lakes Naval Hospital from November, 1948 until January, 1950 when he received an Honorable Discharge. Following his discharge, he married Juanita May Patterson (deceased). To this union two daughters Debra Dean and Teresa Diane, were born. Wallace was sworn in as a Youngstown Police Officer in 1954 and served for three years while attending classes at Youngstown College in preparation to join his uncle, Paul C. Cummings, at Cummings Funeral Home in Cleveland, OH. Following his graduation, Cum Laude, from Cincinnati College of Embalming, in 1959, he came to Cleveland and became the Mortician at Cummings Funeral Home, located at 7204 Cedar Avenue. At that time, he joined St. James A.M.E. Church under the Pastorate of Dr. Donald Jacobs, where he served as a Trustee. Wallace met Evelyn Buttram in 1966, while making funeral arrangements for her niece. The following year, 1967, they were married and he moved his church home to Emmanuel Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Sterling E. Glover. Following the death of his uncle, Paul and aunt Ruth, Wallace and Evelyn acquired the current site, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, November 19, 1972. In 1975, Wallace became involved in East Cleveland City government. Beginning in 1975, he served 13 years as City Commissioner and City Councilman. In 1989, he was elected Mayor of East Cleveland and served eight years in that capacity. During his tenure as Mayor of East Cleveland and Mortician/Owner of Cummings and Davis Funeral Home, he served in many civic, community, and professional organizations. In the 70’s Wallace was a member of “The Edward Hill Singers” where it was discovered that he had a beautiful baritone voice. This was further revealed at his inauguration, where to everyone’s amazement, he sang “If I Can Help Somebody”. Wallace’s wit and sense of humor was comparable to none. He enjoyed attending comedy shows, traveling, reading and writing poetry, bowling, skating, entertaining friends, singing, listening to music and his tenure and responsibilities as Mayor. But most of all, he enjoyed his profession of serving families during their time of bereavement. In 2017, Wallace and Evelyn celebrated 50 years of marriage with the renewing of vows witnessed by family and friends at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. On September 23rd, they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Wallace is survived by his loving and devoted wife Evelyn; daughters Debra of Annapolis, MD and Teresa Valmond of Minneapolis, MN; grandsons, Papillon Valmond of Germany and Cortland Valmond of Minneapolis, MN; sisters Louise Young of Youngtown, OH and Beryl Evans of Philadelphia, PA; sister in Law Rochelle Holman of Jacksonville, FL; brothers in law Donald Buttram (Mell) of Harbor City, CA, David Buttram, Sr. (Denise) of University Heights, OH and Kevin Buttram (Jennifer) of Euclid, OH; also survived by uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, funeral home staff, and a host of other family and friends.