Leland Dean Davis

Leland Dean Davis, son of the late Delbert and Opal Davis, was born on October 3, 1935 in Mendon, Illinois and departed this life on January 22, 2025. At the time of his passing, Dean was 89 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers one sister and daughter-in-law Cindy Davis. He is survived by his wife, Judy Mitchell Davis; his children, James Dean Davis, wife Janet of San Mateo, California, Cynthia Allene Davis of Paris, Kentucky, and David Lawson Davis of Knoxville, Tennessee, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Dean was born and raised on a farm in Mendon, Illinois, where he graduated from Unity High School. It was during his senior year of high school that he became a Christian and later devoted his life to full time Christian Service. Following his high school graduation, Dean enrolled in and graduated from Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University), of Knoxville, Tennessee

He met Judy Mitchell while serving a summer ministry in Ripley, IL in 1955. In December of that year they were married and recently celebrated their 69th anniversary.

During his final two years at Johnson and following graduation he and Judy served churches in Wildie, Kentucky, Athens, Tennessee and King, North Carolina. From 1966-1990, they served with Zambia Christian Mission as missionaries in Zambia, Africa. In 1975 Dean served as president of the National Missionary Convention (Now International Conference on Missions). In 1991 Dean and Judy received the Distinguished Service Award from Johnson University.

Following his time in Zambia Dean served as Director of Church and Alumni Relations for 13 years at Johnson University, as Assistant Director of Development for 5 years with Central India Christian Mission, and as Minister to Senior Adults for 11 years with Woodlawn Christian Church.

The family has arranged for a Celebration of Life Service, with no funeral home involvement to be held on February 1st with a Receiving of friends and family at 1 pm, with a service to follow at 3pm at the Woodlawn Christian Church of Knoxville, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Woodlawn Christian Church of Knoxville or Johnson University.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.berryfuneralhome.com