Earl Davis Jr.

The life of Earl Davis Jr. began in Tuscaloosa, Alabama February 6, 1938. He was the blessed child of Elizabeth Inez Davis and Earl Davis Sr. His parents adored him and provided a private school education for his primary years. Earl accepted Christ at an early age and was very active in his church, Weeping Mary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He attended various church conferences and represented his church faithfully. He graduated from Druitt High School. Earl moved to Chicago, Illinois when he was 18 years old. He attended community college there.

Earl was an extraordinary cook and grill master. His mustard and collard greens would melt in your mouth and his delicious barbeque was always a tremendous hit. Earl’s baked Alabama corn and cornbread were crowd pleasers as well. If you knew our dad you would know about his love for music, especially jazz. He often shared memories about the live studio sessions and performances he attended with musician friends and family during the 1960’s in Chicago. Earl was a loyal and kind man who worked at Montgomery Wards for over 30 years to support his family. He loved gardening and sharing stories about his life, family history and current events. He had a memory that surpassed most folks.

Earl Davis Jr. (affectionately, Earl Jr. to his parents and siblings) fell deeply in love and married Leautry Shipps on April 24, 1960. From their amazing union they had a son Toussaint Earl, and two daughters, Erwann and Trina Joy. They adored their children and provided a loving home for them focused on faith, family, and the importance of education. Earl and Leautry were active members of their church; they served together in the choir, other ministries and volunteered at the neighborhood shelter for many years in Robbins, IL. They were generous givers of their time and resources. He was devoted to his family and would single handedly drive from Houston to Chicago several times a year to see and care for his grandsons well into his 60s. Family was the number one priority to Earl.

Earl Davis Jr. departed this life on Friday, December 13, 2024, after his battle with cancer. He was a good, faithful servant who fought a good fight and was able to rally several times until the Lord took him home. He was preceded in death by his wife Reverend Leautry Davis. He leaves to cherish his memories: his two daughters, Mrs. Erwann Davis Wilson (Ronald), and Dr. Trina Joy Davis, son, Toussaint Earl Davis; four grandsons, Isaac Earl, Juwan James, Toussaint, and David Arthur; great granddaughter A’nora Lynne Davis, sisters Evelyn Elaine Timmons and Brenda Joyce Ervin (Jimmy) and brother Eugene Davis (Jankie deceased). He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, other loving relatives and dear friends. Earl dedicated his life to his family, and the countless friends who called him Papa D, Pops, Papa Davis, Daddy Earl and Mr. Earl whose lives he touched in a tremendous way.