Mr. Herman Ellsworth Davis Jr.

Herman Ellsworth “SKIP” Davis, Jr., 81, of Cross Lanes, WV, formerly of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House. He was born on June 3, 1944, to the late Herman Ellsworth Davis, Sr., and Mildred Rhones Davis. His life began in Washington, DC, where he grew up.

At an early age he worked for the DC Public Library. This may have elevated his great love of books, music, and history. He attended Luther College, Teaneak, NJ, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, and University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Washington, DC. His courses of study included information management, computer programming, and business marketing.

Skip’s occupational journey led him on a diverse and extensive path. He began his career as a computer programmer working at SDC, UDC, IBM, and Honeywell. His interest changed and he was inspired to teach, which his new track included instructor, certified trainer, and adjunct professor. Skip spent many years crisscrossing the country contracting with federal agencies, higher education

institutions, and public and private organizations and his focus was starting a business, marketing, and the business environment,

He established Davis & Associates and was successful in providing computer system integration and selling computer hardware and software. Skip conducted computer courses and later added seminars in business, entrepreneurship, and career development.

Skip loved taking photos of people, events, and nature. He had an opportunity to showcase his photography of modern black history and books authored by African American photographers at the Washington County Free Library. His photos featured African American musicians.

He was a member of the Freelance Photographers Association, a photojournalist for the American International News Service, and shared his photos with Today’s Photographer Magazine.

Skip has been a life-long member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Washington, DC. He recently served as Vice President of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum (DBHM) and was a member of The Friends of the DBHM. He formerly served in the position of President. In 2024, during the DBHM Masquerade Ball, he was

recognized for his 80th Birthday and was acknowledged for his tireless service and contributions.

All who knew Skip appreciated the hard-working, compassionate, faithful man of God who never met a stranger and brought people together. His smile, optimistic attitude, and friendly conversation will be missed.

Herman was predeceased by his, grandparents Ursuline and Frank Rhones; brother Leroy Davis; and son Philip Clifton Davis.

He is survived by daughter, Lisa Michelle Williamson (Franklin); son, Michael Warren Davis (Debra); brother, Robert Davis; sister, Ursuline Singleton (Ken), and sister, Elaine Mason (Byron).

He leaves behind four grandsons, Joseph Runnels III, Jeremy Runnels, Nicholas Foster (Elizabeth) and Robert Foster, Jr.; one step granddaughter, Crystal Ballard (Harry); sixteen great-grandchildren; as well as one great-great granddaughter, exwife, Twana White, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of loving friends.

Visitation at the Callender Funeral Home in Charleston, WV, will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The Homegoing Service will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2100 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., service to follow at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Herman E. Davis, Jr. to the Doleman Black Heritage Museum. Please use this link Memorial Donations for Mr. Skip or mail a check to the DBHM, 33-35 West Washington Street, Room 210, Hagerstown, MD 21740.