Felipe Justo Davila

This New York City native was born , and raised, in his beloved BROOKLYN on September 26, 1965. He was the youngest son of the late Francisco (Franky) and Rosita (Rose) Davila.

Phil received his formal education in Brooklyn from the New York City Public School System. After receiving his diploma, Phil took some exploratory avenues and eventually enlisted in the United States Army. After completing his tour, he joined the Army Reserves. Upon retiring from the Reserves, Phil became a certified EMT in New York where he had some of his wildest experiences. Shortly after the passing of his father, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia and joined Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. Soon after, Phil was deployed to Kuwait as a perimeter guard in the 3rd Army Reserve Unit. Utilizing the skills that he acquired in the military, Phil began working as a correction officer at Phillips State Prison in Buford GA, and later at Metro State Prison in Atlanta. Always interested in learning new things, he continued his studies in Atlanta at Everest College where he received his medical assistant diploma.

Phil did all he could to be a good person. One thing he was incredibly good at was putting a smile on everyone’s face. There is not one person who knew him that didn’t have at least one story to tell of his shenanigans (smile). The account of these endless memories would always lead to priceless breath-stealing laughter. That is the effect he had on those who knew and loved him as well as those he just met – The Phil Effect.

He was filled to the brim with culture and could hold long and insightful conversations from politics to religion to history. Phil had a love of hip-hop and kung fu. So, you know when Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan came out, he loudly professed that “Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nuthin to…” Y’all know the rest. He listened closely to the lyrics of the conscience rappers of the 80s and 90s. He practiced certain values. His word was bond, he stayed dropping science, and he made sure he said peace every time he left you. I’m five percent sure he had supreme outlook on life.

There is no biography of Felipe without mentioning his hard work and dedication in taking care of his beloved mother, Rose. He spent every day making sure his mom received the love and care that she gave him and his siblings growing up. If there was a magic potion that would’ve let her live forever, he would’ve traveled the ends of the earth to find it. Unfortunately, that was not reality and when his mom passed, a large piece of him left with her.

After the passing of the Davila family matriarch, Phil said goodbye to Atlanta and started a new carefree life in Harrison, Tennessee with his longtime partner in crime Latasha Cook. Participating in activities like pickle ball and canoeing this dynamic duo never seemed to have a dull day. Phil was living a real life fairytale in Tennessee like Snow White the way the peacocks on the land and the neighbors horse would stop by and visit him. Phil’s heaven would likely include outdoor activities, animals, plants (preferably the ones you inhale), good music, and of course a little target practice. Boy, will he be missed!

He is survived by his big sister Jesusita Davila, his birthday twin/niece Alisha Bolton, loving nephews Lester Bolton, Darain Davila, Larique Davila, and a host of other nieces and nephews, if you got a homemade bow and arrow, you know who y’all are. I would be remiss not to mention his Bestie, Theresa Simmons. But most of all, Phil leaves behind his children, son James Cedric Beatty, daughter Janai Elizabeth Davila, 14 grandchildren, and his fur babies Sadie, Rosie, and “the cat”.

Preceding him in death are his brother Francisco Davila, his best friend Carl Williams and both beautiful parents. May they all rest in peace together. We love you and miss you always.

Arrangements entrusted to Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services Franklin -Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, 423-265-4414. Please visit our website to share your memories: www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com