James Oliver Davis

James “Oliver” Davis, son of the late Nathaniel Davis and Neatha Mack, was born on July 18,1956 in St. George, South Carolina. At a young age he moved to New York with his parents. In 1974, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Oliver’s August 22, 1980 union created three beautiful children: Antonio Jamell Ford, James Oliver Davis, Jr. and Crystal Davis. Oliver met the love of his life, Stacy Gray, in 2005. She was a constant source of inspiration, joy, and strength in their partnership. Their unwavering love, support, and trust would grow stronger over the next 21 years. Oliver enjoyed life and lived every day to the fullest. He was extremely personable and instantly connected with people. As a child he enjoyed friendly competition on the baseball diamond, football field and basketball court. He was extremely passionate about basketball and was a lifelong student of the game. Oliver played on the basketball team at Thomas Jefferson High School. He spent countless hours on the court, well into his 60s, playing the game he loved. He would analyze game details, statistics, and strategy with friends and family. He coached youth on how to play the game. His favorite team was the New York Knicks; it’s fitting that he was able to witness them win a National Basketball Association (NBA) championship in June 2026. Oliver enjoyed playing Chess. He taught the game to family members and would play for hours with friends. Oliver loved to travel. He made innumerable road trips from New York to South Carolina; and vice versa, to visit friends and family. Oliver was famous for the witty nicknames he would give to family and friends. On any given day you may hear him affectionately call a loved one Honey Girl, El Cheapo, Heavy, Big Mommy, Sunshine, Peanut, Chucky Cheese, Who-Who, Shots, Professor, Dude, or Chicken on a Stick. Oliver is predeceased by his parents Nathaniel Davis (2020) and Neatha Mack (2014), four siblings, Nathaniel Davis Jr., (2006), Padesia Davis (2008), Oagarie Davis (2012), and Coleen Davis (2025); one niece, Janneatha Oagaritta Davis (1982); and two nephews, Travis Elick Davis (1982) and Naishan Preston Davis (2024). On Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 4:39 pm, Oliver departed this life to join loved ones who transitioned before him. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: Stacy Gray, of Brooklyn, NY; two sons, Antonio Jamell Ford, of Summerville, SC; James Oliver Davis Jr., of Summerville, SC; one daughter, Crystal Davis, of Warner Robins, GA; two step-daughters, Erica Gray and Stacylea Gray, of New York; four sisters Mintrous Davis, of Orangeburg, SC; Arlene Davis, Velma Davis, and Jacqueline Davis, all of Brooklyn, NY; two brothers, Keith Davis, of Aurora, IL and Kevin Davis, of Summerville, SC; two nieces; Maria Davis and Megan Hobson, of Brooklyn, NY; one nephew, Terrell Davis, of Brooklyn, NY; ten grandchildren, Antonio Jamell Ford Jr., Jordyn Alexander Ford and Zachary Carn of Summerville, SC; Sekani Davis, Aurora Davis, Semaj Davis and Nevaeh Davis of Summerville, SC; De'Marius Davis and Je’San Davis of Warner Robins, GA; and Nia Love McDonald, of New York; one grandnephew, Naishan Davis Jr, of Brooklyn, NY, two grandnieces, Neatha Davis and Aaliyah Michelle Davis, of Brooklyn, NY, as well as a host of cousins and friends. This is a farewell to Oliver, not a goodbye, for within each of us, there will always be a place where James “Oliver” Davis lives.

James Oliver Davis

July 18, 1956 - July 25, 2026