Charles L. Davis Sr., 96, of Plant City, died Nov. 28, 2016.
He was the oldest son of Earl N. and Emma Ola Davis. He was a native of Hopewell and a lifelong resident of Plant City. He served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy and Coast Guard, where he served off the coast of Africa during World War II. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. A hard worker all his life, he enjoyed the everyday blessings that came each day. He especially loved to be outdoors working in the yard and taking care of the family grove. He was a longtime member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for 22 years as a a deacon and the church clerk. After World War II, he worked for the Pure Oil Company and Mr. J.T. Langford, delivering fuel oil through the Plant City area. After Mr. Langford retired, he became office manager and Pure Oil became part of J.H. Williams Oil Company out of Tampa. He retired in 1989 at the age of 70.
He is survived by his son, C. Leighton Davis Jr., of Plant City; daughters, Brenda R. Bryan, of New Zion and Cheryl A. Davis, of Plant City; granddaughters, Shayla Ray Bryan, of New Zion and Katie Durastanti (Stuart), of Bowling Green; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Durastanti.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary S. Davis; son-in-law, Tommy Bryan; parents; and siblings, Lloyd N. Davis, Marsalie Dillon and Clayton N. Davis.
A funeral service was held Dec. 5, at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapters Health, 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300 West, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637, and/or Lone Oak Baptist Church Youth Fund, 3505 W. Lone Oak Road, Plant City, Florida 33567.
The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous care and concern provided by the staff at The Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace.
Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.