Darrell Davis Obituary

I first met my best friend when I was 5 and for sure I was 6 years old. I knew him before we entered first grade and in the same classroom in elementary and some in high school. He was my prom date in our senior year. We went everywhere together. We played cars together. Visited each other in college. We were in a social club as well as a gospel group together. He kept the group laughing and often times we got in trouble just because we were laughing. Missing him all the time

Darrell sat across from me in 7th grade. He always made me laugh. He was such a sweet and kind soul. Always smiling. The following school year I transferred to a school in the county. Never to see or talk to Darrell again for several years. Facebook reconnected us. We talked about old times at Greenville Jr. High and life in general. I am so proud to know how well he did for himself. I miss those FB conversations we had. I miss my friend.

I just learned of his passing. I had the joy of working with him at Hamline Law. His smile and his jokes I will remember. You are in my prayers.

Jackie, my thoughts and prayers are with you! My memories of Darrell are more from when we were little, Uncle Hap, Aunt Julia, Mom and Dad and others would spend time at Griffith's Beach in Little Washington. Darrell kept us laughing all of the time. Darrell will ALWAYS be in your memories - TREASURE THEM!

TO my "big brother" Darrell, I will miss you and your infectious smile! I just learned today of your passing onto glory. I was just speechless. You knew the Lord would be waiting for you with His arms opened wide. Keep smiling down on us. I would like to say thank you for being a part of my "special day" (wedding) 29 years ago and gracing us with your beautiful singing voice! Your duet with Dinna W will always be memorable. To your family, God's grace is sufficient and He will see you through this time of grieving and sorrow. May He also grant you peace. Darrell will truly be missed. He, as you know, was a very special person.

I only heard the sad news yesterday. I worked with Darrell at Honeywell and considered him a friend, although we did lose touch after he left the company. Still, I have great memories, as everyone else seems to have - he was a GOOD man and had a way with people. He and I had a little college rivalry, especially when it came to Basketball, since I cheer for the Blue Devils, and he was a Tar Heel fan, but it was always in good humor - how could it be otherwise with Darrell?

My condolences to his family. While this is sad for the ones left behind, it is comforting to know that Darrell is in a better place.

To the Davis family. Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can not bear. Darrell was the young man that took my sister, Jean Mills to the prom at Rose high School where they were classmates. My parents kept a picture on our living room mantel of their prom picture. The entire Davis family has always been very kind to my family. As the last surviving member of my family those memories will last forever. Though Darrell may not be physically with us on earth, his spirit and love for his family and friends will continue forever. A.T. Mills, III & family, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina

I had the privilege to work for Darrell for six years in the Legal Department at Graco. No one came close to Darrell as being the BEST BOSS ever. He was honest, fair, caring and respectful. He treated me as an important part of his team, rather than just support staff. I now own a small business and try to treat my employees with as much respect as he showed me.

I was fortunate to remain friends with Darrell and seen him last time I was in Minneapolis. Both my husband and I will miss our conversations, his witty sense of humor, his funny stories and especially that infectious laugh. My life was blessed for knowing Darrell.


Linda M. Cook

Darrell,

I had been out of touch until today when I stopped off at Hamline to say hello. I was shocked to hear of your passing and it has made me so sorry to have not kept in touch. Enjoyed our car rides, dinner and friendship.

Chuck

I will miss you much Darrell we sure had some good times

Rest in peace dear friend.

Darrell was my lab partner in Biology. His dad taught our class, so I have been honored to know two of the finest men. Darrell was my friend in high school. It was a turbulent time...but race was never an issue for either of us. I will miss Darrell. My thoughts and prayers to his family. This wonderful gentleman was a gift to us all.

gloria terrell

My condolences to Jackie & family. I do not have the words to say how I feel. I will keep the family in prayer!

Sending condolences & prayers out to the family. I pray for strength and peace at this difficult time. God Bless you.

We were all enriched in ways we could never have imagined when Darrell Davis joined our class at Elmhurst. He blazed a trail as wide as his smile.

Darrell's passing is not only a great loss for his family, friends and church, but for the legal community in Minnesota. In addition to his many other talents and qualities, Darrell was an excellent lawyer who made countless valuable contributions to his employers over many years. His most enduring legacy will be carried by the many students he touched at Hamline Law School, in the role he rightly called his dream job. Darrell's was a life well lived, in all of its aspects, and we are all poorer for him having left us too soon. May he rest in God's peace, and his family take comfort in how much he was loved and admired, and will be missed.

My condolences to Jackie & family. I pray that you all have comfort & peace from God during these difficult times.- Acts 17:27

Darrell's passing is not only a great loss for his family, friends and church, but for the legal community in Minnesota. In addition to his many other talents and qualities, Darrell was an excellent lawyer who made countless valuable contributions to his employers over many years. His most enduring legacy will be carried by the many students he touched at Hamline Law School, in the role he rightly called his dream job. Darrell's was a life well lived, in all of its aspects, and we are all poorer for him having left us too soon. May he rest in God's peace, and his family take comfort in how much he was loved and admired, and will be missed.

Darrell was smart, funny and compassionate. He enjoyed music and dance. Having had him as a friend in high school made that experience richer. I will always cherish his memory. May God bless his family and those who loved him. May his soul rest peacefully in God's care.

Jackie and Alonzo,

Put your hand into the hand of God. He gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul.

We cherish the fond memories and good times with Darrell. He is safe in the arms of our Good Shepherd.

M. Bryan, Nebraska

Darrell's passing is not only a great loss for his family, friends and church, but for the legal community in Minnesota. In addition to his many other talents and qualities, Darrell was an excellent lawyer who made countless valuable contributions to his employers over many years. His most enduring legacy will be carried by the many students he touched at Hamline Law School, in the role he rightly called his dream job. Darrell's was a life well lived, in all of its aspects, and we are all poorer for him having left us too soon, but much richer for having him in our lives. May he rest in God's peace, and his family take comfort in how much he was loved and admired, and will be missed.

Jackie during difficult times we can find true strength in Jesus. Darrell will truly be missed and I pray that you and your family are strengthened to endure this hardship.

I met Darrell first in the third grade at Elmhurst Elementary School in Greenville, NC. Darrell was the first AFrican-American student, and the only one at Elmhurst for awhile. We became fast friends, all through high school. He was a visionary and one of the more intelligent individuals I have ever met--I still remember his uncontrollable laughter even these 40+ years later. Rest in peace Darrell--you were a good man.

Love always

Larry White
Professor, UT/El Paso

My prayers are with Jackie and Alonzo. Darrell made this world a better place with his quiet spirit and good example. I will miss him.

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

I was shocked and sad when seen that darrel passed away he was a good man and a better friend I wil miss you

Darrell & I reconnected on Facebook a couple of years back. I thought it was hilarious when he tried to remind me who he was. As though I would forget! York Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church was all the richer for his musical talent. That's where I was when I learned of his passing and my heavy heart spilled from my eyes with tears. Jackie, my heart, sympathy, and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. God bless you and keep you in his loving care. Sympathies from my mom, Doris Lee and aunt, Vernestine Sherrod as well. You are loved.

To Jackie, my condolences and prayers. God Bless.

Thirty-three year old memories percolated up when I learned of Darrell's passing. They brought nothing but smiles - among tears, of course. I cannot imagine anyone whose life he touched having any other reaction. He was a very special man. "Be at peace. Be at peace evermore."

Hi Jackie.....I will be thinking of you you and praying for you, not for the next few days, but in the lonely days to come! Just know that if you need a hug or want a laugh, contact any member of the Dawson family! We love you Jackie!

Dear Jackie,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Darrell. I remember him from my early childhood. When he graduated from highschool, my aunt JessieBell smiled and showed off his picture to everybody. I remember Darrell as a Kind Gentleman.

To Jackie and Alonzo, May God continue to strengthen you now and the days ahead Darrell knew the Lord for himself. He had a little talk with Him. God has healed him, its just on the other side. Love you
Deborah Hall Ebron

May God's mercy and favor sustain you during your time of bereavement. Darrell was a great friend who loved his family. He was one of a group of six traveling companions known of the "Traveling Tar Heel Saints" (TTSs) - he will be missed! God bless!!

My heart is so heavy. Darrell and I go way back. So many wonderful memories. Jackie hold on to God's unchanging hand.

My thanks to (asst.) Dean Davis, for being an open ear, a smiling face, and a person who remembered my name at times when I wasn't necessarily sure I belonged at Hamline Law. Sorry for your long illness, and especially sorry for your passing. You will be missed by this student you touched. I hope that your family and the HUSL community will find peace and solace over your loss, in time.

I have only great memories.

Darrell was a great friend and outstanding person. My memories of our fun days will always be with me. Being in the Lord's presence now is your home. Jackie I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you and Alonzo. Heaven has got a lot more happiness. Love ya D!!

Best to the family of my classmate-Attorney Davis. Our prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. Many blessings to you. Darrell's memories and contributions to our lives will forever live on.

Darrell, thanks for being a calm, caring, and quietly forceful presence throughout much of my once young life. And moreover, for all of the laughs in band and on band trips.

I will always remember the love and laughter that we shared. When you get to heaven tell the family that I send my love .

Peace and blessings to you Jackie during this difficult time. Trust God above everything else...

Darrell piloted a trip for a little group of us to NY city the summer of "76 in his red VW beetle, it was totally impromptu and my time seeing the Big Apple...we saw "The Whiz" debuting Stephanie Mills (actually gave me goose bumps) and we stopped on the Boardwalk in NJ and saw Marvin Gaye, the man was jaw dropping...It was unforgettable, so magical and fun, and so was Darrell, I have ALWAYS LOVED HIM for that...Chapel Hill would not have been the same without him [and our Omega brothers]...Peace in Carolina Blue Heaven Darrell...

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of our classmate, my prayers are with the family, Darrell was a great and smart person, missing you.

So sad to here about Darrell.My thought and prayers are with the family.

My prayers are with Darrel's family . May God comfort you and show you understanding in the loss of your love one. God Loaned us an angle, and now it's time to send the angle back to GOD. FEEL BLESS ,FAMLIY AND BE BLESS

From early classes in 6th grade to Class of 73 Darrell could be called my friend. I was proud to have known him, He will be missed but the Lord has other plans. A friend always steve

I was shocked to learn that Darrell passed away. I regret that I somehow managed to lose touch with him over the years.

Darrell was a wonderful colleague, mentor, and friend to me when we worked together at Graco. Darrell was a gifted attorney with so much style! He was intelligent, capable, dynamic, and high energy, with a sense of humor and smile that frequently led to lots of laughter. He had a quiet dignity about him that is hard for me to adequately describe. I especially admired his special way of making people feel welcome in his presence. He valued relationships.

It was a blessing to know Darrell. I am sad he passed at such a young age. I know he touched many hearts, including my own, during his time on this earth - hearts that are indeed heavy with the news of his passing.

To Jackie,
The weight of heaviness has taken a toll on me and probably most of us. I am still at lost for words. Darrell will be missed in our hearts. I can still hear him laughing with us via facebook about "Que Pearls". I am praying much for you and believing that God will hold you and comfort you during and after this time.

Author/Inspirational Speaker

Darrell was a great friend and I am so proud to have been able to spend time with him recruiting. He was the life of any setting because he set the bar so high, he had high expectations and standards and expected you to follow them. He was compassionate and he loved the Lord. So I say so long my dear friend I will see you later.

My heart is sadden by the loss of my dear childhood friend. I knew Darrell since we were kids in the community and school. My classmate and a joy to have known. To his family, he did well as he lived, moved and worked in this life.

AS WE MEDITATE ON THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE AND DEATH AND WHAT THE VAST ETERNITY MAY HOLD, LIKE A BRIGHT AND SHINNING LIGHT COMES THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROMISE OF GOD.THE DARKNESS DISAPPEARS; WE ARE CONTENT, FOR WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE RIGHT. DARRELL AND MY BROTHER CHARLES WERE GOOD FRIENDS ON EARTH NOE THEY WILL REUNITE IN HEAVEN, I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, KEEP ALL YOUR TRUST AND FAITH IN GOD AND EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. WITH MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

darrell will definately be missed my me and quite a few people that was blessed to be a friend to him.....may he rest in peace.....god bless the family

Darrell was a friend to everyone he met, and he will surely be missed. Those of us that knew him in high school were influenced by him in so many ways. My deepest sympathy to his family.

so sad to hear of darrell's passing. he was a lovely person and so kind. prayers to jackie and alonzo- i am so sorry for your loss. kris cooley class of 73

My sincere condolences to the family of the wonderful, wonderful Darrell Davis. As a colleague and friend, Darrell kept me on my toes always, modelling the highest professional presentation and standards. I miss him, his intelligent banter, and his caring mentorship.

What a loss for all of us. Darrell was one of the finest people ever to have walked the earth. He appeared in my life in 1966-67, when he, then a sixth grader, entered Elmhurst Elementary School. As a twelve year old young man, he was among the first to pioneer the desegregation of Greenville's schools. He did so with intelligence, integrity, and a gregarious humour that uplifted everyone he encountered. The picture shows Darrell in our sixth grade class, pioneering social change and surrounded by mostly smiling faces, an incredible testimony to his power to transform people, bringing out their very best. I know he is in a better place now, but cannot escape the feeling that our world is diminished with his passing.

My thought and prayers are with the Darrell's family

A Tribute to Sweet D:
Words can never express how dear you were to me as a friend. Because of your love for music, there will always be a song in my heart as a reminder of you, especially, "Jesus, You Are the Center of my Joy" in which you sang so melodiously!)Because of your quick wit and charming sense of humor, there will be joy and laughter in my spirit. I am glad that I got to share with you on many occasion how special you were to me. You kept the faith to the very end. And now as always "It is WELL with my Soul".

I had received a list of JHRS Class '73 birthdays for July at the beginning of the month. Darrell Davis was shown as having a birthday on July 7. A photo on the web showed him older, still handsome, still an open and friendly face. His pose was confident.

So, I emailed him my wishes and some nonsense about both of us getting old. A week later, we are told of his passing.

Darrell was a friend to everyone. He was smart, fun, thoughtful and engaging. I was not surprised to see he went on to law school...He would be the kind of lawyer I would want on my team. Some of us will pass unnoticed. But some, like Darrell, will leave a hole when we are gone.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Darrell was a dear friend. We first met in 6th grade at Elmhurst school in Greenville. He was kind, intelligent, and peaceful--even then! May our gracious Lord and Savior comfort, guide, and carry you, his family, through this loss and transition. Grace and peace to you....

Jackie and Alonzo,
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this trying time. Praying and knowing that God will strengthen you one day at a time. With all my love and prayers.

Darrell was a wonderful friend in high school, as we were fellow "community ambassadors" and gave many talks together after our summers abroad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rose High Class 1973

To Jackie and the Davis family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare "rest" for your love one.
Sincerely,
Elnora Faison, Raleigh, North Carolina

Rest in glorious peace Darrell!!! Heaven just gained the most fun loving and genuine person I know (2nd to me)!! I love you and may God bless you Jackie during this sad hour in all our lives...Love You, Colette

My heart right now is so heavy. I will truly miss Darrell and his sharp sense of humor, and he was one of the smartest men that I have ever known. my sympathy goes out to his family and love ones at this moment, and he will be forever missed!

I pray to God the spirit of comfort upon his family in this moment of mourning!

So sad about Darrell. He was a good man, loved by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be truly missed. Class of 1973.

So sorry to hear about Darrell. We missed his presence at our 40th class reunion. He was always so nice and always added positives to everything. His mother was a dear friend of my mom, Betsy West. They taught together at Elmhurst in Greenville, NC. I'd always hear what Darrell was up to in the earlier years before they both retired.

With deepest sympathy to Darrell's family, friends and classmates of J. H. Rose High School Class of 1973.

Sincerely,