Mr. Clarence Preston Davis, Jr.

CLarence Preston Davis, Jr., was born in Brooklyn, New York to Thelma Padmore Davis and the late Preston Davis, Sr., on June 22, 1948 He was the second of four children from that union. While growing up in Brooklyn, he attended St. Gregory’s Catholic School and George W. Wingate High School. He later graduated from Pine Forge Academy, Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. At Pine Forge, Clarence blossomed. Honing both his athletic skills and musical talents. For a time thereafter he attended classes at Brooklyn College where he starred on the football team while performing in the college symphonic band. He also fought successfully as an amateur heavyweight boxer in the New York Daily News Golden Gloves Tournament, and anchored the Brooklyn Golden Knights semi-professional football club. His marriage to the late Beverly Sapp produced three daughters: Denice Hammond, Natasha Davis, and Kimberly Davis. Later in life he met, and on February 14, 2003 married, “the love of his life”, Elaine Archibald, welcoming her three sons, Andrew, Anthony and Aric; and two daughters, Anissa and Kyiesha into his heart as well as earning a new “handle”. Clarence would forever after be affectionately known as Popo. Through their union, Clarence with his family attended Faith Mission Grace Baptist Church in Yonkers, New York. With the fellowship and his personal leadership skills, Clarence rose to the position of Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Clarence was an accomplished musician and singer. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to travel as well. But most of all he was the consummate fisherman. “Fish On”, he would cry out on his fishing trips. More often than the others aboard which was much to their consternation. Besides being well known in the local waters for landing blues and stripers, Clarence caught porgies and sea bass at Cape Cod, Massachusetts; grouper in the Gulf Stream off of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and even landed giant halibut and king salmon in Cook Inlet off of Homer Alaska. Nevertheless, at heart, Clarence valued most of the time he could spend cooking, collecting rare coins, and most of all - spoiling his grandchildren. grandchildren. Popo was known for his captivating smile, movie-star looks, and hearty laugh. Nicknamed “Big John” and “Heavy” by long time friends in Brooklyn, his larger-than-life stature was intimidating to those who did not know him. Yet to those who did he was described as generous, loving, knowledgeable, and never at a loss for words. He was a community leader along with his boyhood friends, John “Pumpkin” Johnson and Clifford “Buttons” Barrow. After years of working as a Cosmetology Instructor, Clarence took on the challenge of becoming a licensed practical nurse. After successfully completing the training, he work for many years at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation - Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility on Roosevelt Island until an automobile accident forced him into an early retirement. Thankfully, not before he made his mark there as an union delegate fighting for the rights of his fellow LPNs and affiliated health workers. Clarence is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children: Denice, Natasha, Kimberly, Andrew, Anthony, Aric, Anissa, and Kyisha; his mother, Thelma; his siblings: Wonda, Michael, Michelle, and Janelle; and a long list of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear close friends.

Mr. Clarence Preston Davis, Jr.

June 22, 1948 - June 22, 2015