Gerald Davis

Gerald Richard Davis Sr. went home to be with the Lord on May 24, 2025, at the age of 85 in Columbus, OH, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Gerald lived a fulfilling life up until just days before his 86th birthday, after courageously battling several health issues. While many of his loved ones were not ready to say goodbye, they took comfort in knowing he no longer had to fight a battle he had already won.

Born on May 27, 1939, in Circleville, Ohio, Gerald attended Circleville High School and was the son of Luther Thomas Davis and Faustina Holmes Davis. He left this world as a saved man, cherished by a loving and supportive family.

Although he was affectionately known as Gerald, he retained a preference for his nickname

"Jerry". It's a testament to his ability to balance the serious and playful aspects of life joyfully. Laughter was his gift, and his legacy is of a man who could easily lighten any room when he entered.

Gerald began his career at Marzetti's restaurant in Circleville, OH. He later moved to Columbus,

Ohio, in the 1960s and worked as a sanitation worker, holding various other roles, including EMT Medic, deputy, state worker, and Health Care assistant. His career came to an end after he sustained an injury on the job, which led to numerous surgeries.

In 1967, Gerald met his companion, Evon Palm. They had two beautiful children together:

Christina (Punkin) Kay Davis and Gerald Richard Davis Jr. He later married Beverly Banner

Davis, with whom he spent 39 years, blending their families with two beautiful step-children,

Isabela (ChaCha) Woody and Pillar (Peaches) Banner, whom he loved and treated as his own.

Gerald had a humorous personality and enjoyed drawing, ranging from portraits to cartoons and comics. He loved fishing and hunting, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Young at heart, he often spent hours playing video games with his son. He also had a passion for watching television, particularly Westerns, as well as shows like Maury, Steve Wilkos, The Price Is Right, boxing, Steve Harvey, and Family Feud. Known by nicknames such as "Smiley" and "Trigger Toe," he was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to dressing up, ensuring his clothes and hair were always just right.

Gerald was a dedicated member of the New Tabernacle Church of Christ, where he had served on several committees before joining his wife at the Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies Church, which many of his family and friends also attended.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Faustina Holmes Davis; father, Luther Thomas Davis; Sister, Rosemary Dean; and brothers William, Larry, and Luther Davis Jr.

Gerald survives by his loving and devoted wife, Beverly D. Banner Davis, as well as his two children, Christina (Punkin) Kay (Shawn Sullivan) Davis and Gerald (Nina Davis) Richard Davis Jr., both of Columbus, Ohio, his two stepchildren, Isabela (ChaCha)Woody and Pillar (Peaches) Banner, also Columbus, OH., his sister, Betty Jane Wright, of Circleville, OH; his brother, Bishop Ronald (Bonnie Davis) Davis Sr., of Columbus, OH; a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. Also, special friends Larry Byrd, Dot, and Will.

The family expresses gratitude to all the family, friends, and neighbors who have offered their support. We send thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Select Specialty Hospital who provided compassionate care to Gerald throughout his journey. Their kindness was greatly appreciated during this difficult time, and special thanks are due to KC, the respiratory therapist, and Heather, the wound nurse, whose consistent interactions allowed for the development of trust, and a strong relationship was built on compassion and empathy.