James Davis Obituary

Mr. James "Big Daddy" Davis, Sr., 103, transitioned on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at his residence in Houlka, MS. James "Big Daddy" Davis, Sr., was born on October 31, 1921, to the late Sam and Sarah Davis of Algoma, MS. He was the oldest of twelve siblings. Big Daddy accepted Christ at an early age, at Usher Valley United Methodist Church located in Algoma, MS. He then moved to Houlka and joined West County Line Methodist Church in Houlka, where he remained a faithful member. He was the loving husband of the late Jessie B. Hobson Davis for more than 50 years. Within this union, there were eight loving children: Willie Clay (Ruby) Davis, of Houlka, MS, Lester (Pearlean) Davis of Houlka, MS, Sarah (Jimmie) Boyd of Okolona, MS, Mary (Jimmy) Townsend of Nettleton, MS, and Robert (Amanda) Davis of Houlka, MS. Big Daddy and Jessie B raised two grandchildren as their own: Jessie (Barbara) Gordon and the late Arthur "PIMP" (Loretta) Gordon both of Houlka, MS. Big Daddy had twenty-two grandchildren, eighty great-grandchildren, ninety-one great-great-grandchildren and sixty great-great-great-grandchildren. He had four special caregivers: Terrell Davis, Jeanette Chandler, Arthur Gordon, and Myaire White, along with his children; a special friend Tyrone Hightower. Mr. James "Big Daddy" Davis, Sr. as a young child grew up in Algoma, MS. He was a firm believer "If a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat." One of his first jobs included starting wooden heaters for the local churches on Sunday mornings and evenings. Early as eleven years old, James began working. During his working years, he held many jobs including sharecropper, factory worker, and dairy owner. He even served a brief time in the Army. James worked as a sharecropper at Owen Plantation in Algoma. He worked as a factory worker at Astro Lounger Furniture in Houlka for over 20 years. He and his wife Jessie B. moved to Houlka, MS in 1953. He owned and operated his own dairy farm at his residence in Houlka, MS. A lifetime was spent working cattle. James worked in the Pontotoc Stockyard for many years where he gained his love for cattle. Even up to his death, James kept a herd of cattle of his own. With the help of his sons, grandsons, and nephews, he kept the cattle business alive. It brought him joy herding them, milking them, and being able to sale them. James "Big Daddy" is survived by his loving sister Doris Faye Gardner. He is preceded in death by five sisters: Allie B. William, Pearl Hendrick, Alma Dell Golden, Mable Hatchett, and Marion Wilson; five brothers: Eldrege Davis, Leon Davis, Cliton Davis, Grauthor Davis, and Sammie Lee Davis; two sons: James Davis, Jr. and Bobby Joe Davis; one daughter: Mira Jean McShan; three grandchildren: Carlyn Jean, Lawerence McShan, and Bobby Davis; one great-grandchild Jarret Bean. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 248 Highway 15 South, Pontotoc, MS 38863. Services will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Usher Valley United Methodist Church, 754 Moorman Road, Algoma, MS 38863. Burial will take place a Thompson Chapel Cemetery (East County Line) Houlka, MS 38850. Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Pontotoc, MS.