Johnnie Manly Davis Jr.

A Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Rev. Johnnie Manly Davis, Jr., will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), with burial in the church memorial gardens. The family will receive friends following the service in the parish hall.

Johnnie passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Born in Hartsville, SC, he was the son of J. Manly Davis, Sr., and Lucy T. Davis. He attended McClenaghan High School in Florence, SC, and graduated from Francis Marion College, Class of 1972. He served in the United States Air Force as a medic while stationed in Anchorage, AK. Johnnie was ordained as a Baptist minister following his education at Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He pastored at Lee’s Chapel in Dunn, NC, and Beulah Baptist Church in Pamplico, SC. Over the years, he served as the Director of Youth Services for SC Department of Youth Services in Florence, SC (later Department of Juvenile Justice), as the Chaplain for Bruce Hall (drug and alcohol recovery center) and as pastor of two United Methodist churches—Tabernacle and Bethseda, both in rural suburbs of Florence, SC.

In 1997, Johnnie was ordained as an Episcopal priest following his education at University of the South, Sewanee, TN. From 1997 to 2009, he served as rector of The Church of the Holy Trinity in Ridgeland, SC. He later served as Chaplain for Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, SC, and as rector of The Church of the Cross in Columbia, SC.

An avid reader and collector of books – many, many books – Johnnie was also a lover of dogs, including Bear, Tiffi, Chelsea, Abby, Sassy, and Dusty. He enjoyed listening to great Southern rock bands and made time every week to watch British detective series. He rode his motorcycle every opportunity he got. Most of all, he enjoyed fellowship and connections with treasured friends and family over food and good wine.

Written on the inside cover of Johnnie’s most used and well worn Bible are two quotes—Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) and ‘To accept whatever He gives. And to give whatever it takes, with a smile. This is the surrender to God.’ (Mother Teresa).

Surviving are his wife Carol Puleo Davis, daughter Lisa Davis Johnson (husband Mike), brother N. Henry Davis, and many beloved cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), 1512 Blanding Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.