Crosby Everial Davis

Born on March 5, 1950, in Jamaica to Millicent and Cecil Davis, Crosby was the second eldest of four, growing up alongside his siblings Janet Davis, Rena Davis, and Orleen Smith. Crosby fell in love with Joan Palmer and then married on August 27, 1983 and birthed Linette, May 13, 1986.

From an early age, Crosby displayed a deep sense of curiosity, strength, and compassion; traits that would define his life and legacy.

He pursued higher education in London, attending Polytech University and the University of London, where he studied electrical engineering. His brilliance extended beyond academics; he became a teacher and mentor to many, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

After London, Crosby relocated to Boston, where he excelled as an electrical engineer with Stone & Webster. He later moved to Pittsburgh Texas , NY and eventually settled with his family in Florida, where his entrepreneurial spirit came to life. He opened multiple restaurants, including the beloved “Lin’s Cutting Board,” named after his daughter, and a popular establishment in Jamaica. For Crosby, cooking was never just a job: it was his therapy, his joy, and his ministry. He had a gift for layering flavors, especially in his signature jerk chicken, curry dishes, stews, and oxtails, all seasoned with love and soul.

Crosby was a man of deep integrity and unwavering hope. He gave generously to his community, churches, and those in need, through both monetary gifts and the power of a warm meal. He was the kind of man people turned to in difficult times, a steady presence, a wise counselor, a man of grit and peace who never stopped believing in doing what was right.

A natural leader and a born comedian, Crosby’s smile and infectious laughter lit up every room. He brought ease to others, often using humor to uplift those around him. He had an educator’s heart, spending summers teaching his daughter Linette advanced levels of math. He also mentored many others in engineering, business, logic, and literacy: each lesson rigorous but well rooted in love leaving a lasting impression.

Crosby found great joy in fishing, being near the water, traveling, the finer things in life, as well as simply savoring home grown passion fruit, mangoes, and oranges. In his later years, he found special delight in spending time with his grandchildren, Layor (3) and Amani (2), teaching them, watching them grow, and cherishing every moment.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Davis; his daughter, Linette; his son-in-law, Marcus Harris; his grandchildren, Layor and Amani Harris; and his sisters Janet, Rena, and Orleen. He also leaves behind his brother in law Jay and his nieces and nephews, Nicole, Kimberly, Amanda, Ian, Kevin and their children Xavier, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Kenisha and all his extended family and beloved friends. Crosby’s legacy is one of faith, family, generosity, and a life well-lived in service to others.

His final words of gratitude would be simple yet profound: “Thank you for showing up. Thank you for everything you did on my behalf and thank you for your love. I love you all”

As we celebrate his life, we remember his favorite words and the spirit in which he lived:

Be thankful to God & “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” – Bob Marley