Mr. Charles Edward Davis

Charles E. Davis, a pioneering public servant and dedicated financial steward of the District of Columbia, passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2025. He was a vibrant and active man at the age of 91, with a deep passion for fitness. He remained dedicated to working out at the gym until the age of 85.

Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1933 to Annie Linthecum and Marion Davis, Charles was raised with a strong sense of civic duty and purpose. He completed public education in Dallas, TX and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating, he enrolled at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. While at Dillard, he was initiated into the esteemed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Phi Chapter. He later transferred and completed his collegiate education at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. In 1954, he enlisted into the United States Army where he served his country and earned and received an honorable discharge. These values guided his life's work as he went on to serve in numerous high-level positions within the federal and district governments.

Over the course of a distinguished career, Charles held positions in several key federal agencies. In addition to his service at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, he worked with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), where he met Jean R. Ballew, the woman who would become his wife. He later continued his federal service at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), where he worked in coordination with international development initiatives. During his tenure with the Agency for International Development (AID), one of his assignments took him to Lagos, Nigeria, amid a period of national unrest and war. There, he spent three months providing financial and strategic guidance during a defining moment in the country's wartime history.

His service with AID led to a pivotal career shift when Washington, D.C.’s first mayor, Walter E. Washington, appointed him to a key leadership role within the District of Columbia government. His leadership and expertise quickly elevated him to serve as the Director of the Office of Pay & Retirement Services for the District of Columbia.

Charles E. Davis will be remembered not only for his distinguished public service, but also for his quiet strength, steadfast integrity, and unwavering dedication to others and his family.

Even in his later years, Charles remained deeply engaged with family life. While in the hospital and rehabilitation, he enthusiastically planned an extensive and heartfelt birthday celebration for, Chuckie Davis—an event that reflected his enduring love and appreciation.

His love, dedication, hard work, storytelling, humor, strength, and the countless memories he created will remain a source of comfort for those who love him. He is survived by wife, Jean, and children: Tijuana Southall (Tom), Derek Ballew, Dr. Terri L. Davis, Kimberly Davis, Gina Davis, and Charles 'Chuck' Davis. He was a proud grandfather to Bethany Ballew, Jessica Southall, Aaron Southall, Jonathan Southall, Jordan Washington, Mariah L. Bayless Davis, Esq., and Justin Davis. His legacy also lives on through his cherished great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who loved and admired him deeply.

We miss him deeply, but find peace in knowing he now rests in the loving arms of his beloved mother, Annie, and in the presence of the Lord.

A viewing and funeral for Mr. Davis will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Mr. Davis will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.