Gerald Donald Davis

The only son of Catherine Wilkerson Davis and Jesse Daniels, Gerald was born June 27, 1947 in Chicago, IL. After spending his formative years in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Gerald returned to Chicago, graduating from Mt Carmel high school at age sixteen. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War. Upon his return to Chicago, Gerald enrolled in college at DePaul University, completing 2 years.

Gerald was always a whiz with numbers and manipulating figures. These skills likely led to his career in underwriting. He worked with many insurance companies but considered CIGNA his home where he retired in 1999 as Senior Director of Underwriting.

Though he suffered with alcoholism for many years, Gerald overcame his addiction in 1989. For the rest of his life, Gerald spoke candidly about his battles with alcohol, sharing his life story and experiences with others who struggled or had family members struggling with addiction in an effort to help others.

A recipient of three organ transplants, Gerald became quite active in local Organ Donation efforts. From visiting patients who needed or had received transplants, to participating in efforts to increase the number of organ donors, he felt compelled to help. He was an integral member of the organ donation efforts in Nashville.

In his later life, Gerald became active with CASA, Court Appointed Advocates for Children. His main responsibility included providing recommendations for and reporting to court, the wishes of children who were in the children welfare system while awaiting placement in a permanent home. Additionally, he participated in educational meetings and tutored his assigned children.

From overcoming addiction to receiving transplants, with each new lease on life, Gerald continued to pay it forward. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him but would want to be remembered by the work he did for others.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Davis and Jesse Daniels. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Hrobowski (Yancey) and 3 grandchildren (Ishmael, Sofia and Ella) of Atlanta, Georgia and his wife Rita Davis of Hermitage, Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the DAVIS family.