George T. Davis

A visitation for George will be held Monday, March 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday March 29 from 10 AM until time of Funeral Services 11:00 AM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd St., Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 3401 West 87th Street, Evergreen Park.

If you would like to view the Funeral Service via Live Stream, please use the link below.

https://www.asimplestreaming.com/gtdavis

You knew the minute he stepped into the room, making his entry, you’d expect some memorable phrase or one liner. George Thomas “Tommy” Davis may not have been a well-known comedian who you’ve flocked the theaters in a rush to see. Tommy was just as memorable when he visited family and friends –during holidays, those special life’s moments, vacations, or just because.

In his 90-plus years on this Earth, you’d never forget Tommy when he was introduced to or visited you because he captivated everyone he greeted or met leaving a first and lasting impression in the moment, hour, day, and year.

He was a force in which to be reckoned --always prepared to christen you with one of his sayings sprinkled throughout this reflection of his life. You looked forward to those words in anticipation, waiting with bated breath and thinking “here it comes.”If you were lucky, you’d hear more than one before the visit ended.

For without them, it was as if you lost your passport to continue about your merry way. While we will miss his presence, we also salute him because he deserved his true vacation from the perils of life –grief, a pandemic filled with isolation, uncertainty, and the like. Now, Tommy can continue a life of leisure in the ultimate, glorious, and luxurious getaway.

He delivered those thought-provoking phrases with sophistication, stressing the last word ever so slightly, slowly embracing your ear, tickling your thoughts, and revealing a smile on your often curious face. Sometimes, you didn’t understand the delivery, revealing a smile on your often curious face.

Sometimes, you didn’t understand the delivery, but you knew it was relative to the conversation you’d just had or encounter with him. You dared not ask him to explain, in fear there will be another comeback that reflected you were missing his obvious point.

He was the product of love for Francis Jane Miller and husband Leo Davis (both who preceded him in death). Tommy was born December 19, 1928, in Florida and came to reunite with his mother Frances Miller Davis in Chicago at age 12.

As an only child he was full of spirit and curiosity, embracing all who knew him, wise beyond his years in an endless sea of adults.

Tommy accepted Christ at a young age. He attended Englewood High School, while in Chicago. Then, in 1950, he married Barbara Renfroe, and from this union came five children Bruce “Butchy” (Priscilla, who preceded him in death) Davis; Ginger (Lindsay “Pokey”) Culp, Cheryl “Cheri” Davis; Leo Davis, Marguerite “Margie” (Carlos) Fernandez.

As a father, Tommy did his best. He worked hard, as an iceman, carried ice on his back to various places. Then, later landing a job with the U.S. Postal Service, dedicating 40 years until his retirement. Tommy also worked at Sears Roebuck and Company --serving 20 years there.

While he did work hard, Tommy always had time for family, making it a point to teach his children and grandchildren how to swim and roller skate. While he never spared the rod, he spoiled his children and great grandchildren.

“Grandpa Tommy” as he was affectionately known by his nine grandchildren (Candice Davis, Chris [Janelle] Davis, Corey [Dena] Davis, Lauren Davis Green, LaTasha Davis, Michael Fernandez, Stephanie Fernandez, Sean Hayes, Shearie“Nook” Hayes, and 13 great-grandchildren (JadaiahArnold, Solomon Bernard, Aamir Davis, Camryn Davis, CaylynDavis, Chaise Davis, Cassius Davis, CyerDavis, Lyric Davis, David Hayes, Hazi Hayes, Kyle Jones, Jeriah Lloyd) took command of his life, embracing every moment as it came.

The height of his life was taking them on vacation, after vacation. He nearly traveled to all 50 states as evidenced on his Buick station wagon, which was adorned with stickers from his stops around the globe. Tommy became known for creating, sharing, and embracing memories of fun, excitement, and fulfillment of getting to know his family –nurturing his zest for life and love for the great outdoors –which included fishing, camping --and each other.

Tommy was an adventurer, always taking bold steps to a new place, but lovingly bringing an army of grandkids with him after his children grew up. He was proud of the honor of being a grandpa. He never wavered his right to be called just that –fearless, stern, yet lovingly approachable, and willing to bestow words of wisdom, even on a weary day. “Hi Baby,” he often said with a smile, greeting you enthusiastically.

He and James Brown became “close friends” on the road as he listened to his music, popping in a cassette tape as he traveled. James wasn’t his only favorite artist, he often took Otis Redding’s and Sam Cook’s music along for the ride, the country-western genre was not out of the question either –bring it on Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, and others, for a welcomed change of pace.

Tommy loved to go roller-and ice-skating and was great at it, too. He also liked fine dining and made no accuses of bringing his pal Mr. Tabasco Sauce along for a ride in his back pocket wherever/whenever he wanted to eat. Like on some of his favorite dishes, such as liver & onions. It didn’t matter whether it was an after-five affair or BBQ, like the American Express card, he didn’t leave home without it.

One special moment recalled by granddaughter Lauren was a ride in the Tommy’s then blue Cadillac, he boldly and confidently drove on a road trip with her. She wasn’t sure if the “cadi” would make it. “Whether we took a short trip to the Dollar Store in Indiana, or braved the drive to Florida, to my surprise, the car proved me wrong,” says Lauren. They made it safely to their destination.

While the sounds of reggae accompanied them many times along the way, she’ll always recall Bob Marley’s “Red, Red Wine.” Now, every time she hears it, she’s reminded of those special trips with Tommy. Memories are made, cherished and never forgotten.

Tommy retired to Waterford Estates, in Hazelcrest, IL, where he made many friends, enjoying every moment he spent with the guys, and feasting his eyes on the bevy of lovely ladies he had the pleasure to meet and get to know there. He worshiped the Lord at AME Daniels Chapel in Hazelcrest, IL. Bingo night, dancing with the “stars” of the hour and more, Tommy sored in his elderly years; taking a step out of the comfort of a place he called home to enjoy family affairs.

Tommy’s presence in his family will live on. No matter at what stage of life he was in, he never complained, just took life as it came. He approached the end of his life in the same way –with dignity, renewed spirit and understanding of where he wanted to go and needed to be. Tommy was ready for whatever came next. He was prepared to reunite with loved ones that preceded him in death to travel to the valley that everyone could only imagine as a paradise you’d want to experience, but afraid to think about.

Tommy leaves to mourn, his children, grand-children, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.