Atlas Mermon Davis

Atlas Mermon Davis, was born in Nashville, North Carolina on October 15, 1926. He was received by his Heavenly Father on October 1, 2018 while in the loving arms of his family in Rancho Cordova, California. He was the 6th of 8 children of the late James Allen and Bertha Cooper Davis, both of Nashville, NC. He was married to Sarah Powell Davis of Nashville, North Carolina in 1959 who has preceded him in death in 1990 in Rancho Cordova, California.

Atlas graduated from Nash County Training School in 1944 and was immediately drafted into the US Army. He served his country in WWII as a member of the 92nd Infantry (a segregated all African American Infantry) in Europe. After WWII he returned to North Carolina and earned a Baccalaureate degree in Education from Elizabeth City State University. After a short teaching career, he joined the US Air Force and served as a radio technician for 20 years. He retired from the US Air Force in 1973. He continued to work as a radio technician as a civilian for the Air Force for additional 15 years.

Atlas can best be remembered for his generous spirit and athletic ability. In high school he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He continued this competitive drive at Elizabeth City State University by playing on the football, basketball and baseball. While in college, he earned the nickname Spud, as an integral part of the 1950 Basketball, 1952 and 1953 football championship teams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an outstanding basketball star for Elizabeth City State University. He proudly played baseball in the Negro Baseball League. This athletic drive lives on through his children and grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memories: A son, Derek (Lisa) of Folsom, California and daughter Devora of Los Angeles, California, a brother Charles Davis of Los Angeles, California. His beloved grandchildren Amber Sims, Michael Sims, Andre Davis, Marcus Davis and Renee Davis. There are a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His celebration details: Viewing: Thursday October 11, 2018 4p-8p and Funeral: Friday October 12, 2018 10a at Mount Vernon Memorial 8201 Greenback Lane in Fair Oaks, California. The burial will occur Friday October 12, 2018 12:30p at the Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, California.