In McIntosh County, Oklahoma, a town name Checotah, Bishop Thomas and Etta Davis gave birth to James Samuel (AKA Sam) Davis on February 26, 1928. As a lad, he was reared in the church and received his early Christian training at St. John’s Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Thomas Davis.
Bishop Thomas and Etta Davis moved to Phoenix, AZ where Bishop Thomas Davis took employment at the Santa Fe RailRoad. Sam received his education from Dunbar Elementary and George Washington Carver High School (the only colored high school in Phoenix). Sam was one of the last survived of George Washington Carver High School.
Sam enlisted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged after approximately 9 years. Sam returned home and dated Mable Cotton of whom he later married. Their union resulted in the blessing of their two children Gail and Derral Davis. Many years later, their marriage was dissolved. Sam then met and married Margaret; and from their union was a wonderful blended family which included children and spouses Linda Torres, Gail & Michael Brown, Derral & Yvonne Davis, Pastors John & Margaret Sanders, Kenneth & Doretha Haney, Richard Haney, Minister’s Victor & Katherine Davis, Earl & Sabrina Marshall and Derrill & Jeanette Jones.
Sam is proceeded in death by his parents and 2 sons Paul and Larry Torres. Sam leaves to cherish his memories his lovely wife Mary Davis and her children Ronnie, Michael, Sherry, and Bruce. Sam also leaves to cherish his grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Rochelle, Shawn, Andre, Shanel, Johnnie, Mei-Ling, Gia, Ryan, Kalinea and Tyree, Tamarra, Shaumik, Michael Jr, Michelle, Jessica, Jonte, Lizzet, Quiana, Dominique, Shauntrece and Xavier. Also included are a host of great grandchildren (24) and great great grandchildren (15).
Sam was a member at the Elks Lodge Post #477, American Legion Post #65, and VFW Post #1710 for over 30years. He was the past Commander of the VFW and served as the finance Officer and longest standing executive board member of American Legion. James Samuel Davis will be remembered as one of the strongest and most committed to all 3 organizations. To his family and friends he will be remembered as the best father, a great grandpa and giving friend. In his departing from this earth we can hear his commonly uttered phrase “You betta believe it.”
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