Jack L. Davis

 

SARASOTA, FL - August 22, 2022 Jack Davis was born in Marion, Ohio May 25,1936 to Harold Davis and Bessie (Leeper) Davis, Jack married Dixie Whitehill on June 27,1956 and later married Suzanne Zattau Gorenflo on November 14, 1969. Jack and Dixie have two daughters: Cheri Davis of Sarasota, Florida, Cindy Price of LaRue. Jack also has one step son,Denny Gorenflo. Grandchildren: Carissa Potts, Sarasota, Justin Price, LaRue and Jon Price, Marion. Several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his special dog, Bear Jack was a hardworking man and never sat still: His careers include the Marion Star, Marion Correctional Institution, Hap’s Sohio, N& MHeating and Cooling, City of Sarasota and City of Venice. Hismost recent job was for the Suncoast Blood Bank. A simple man who didn’t like pretension. Someone who worked to live, and didn’t care about a fancy job title (hence several careers over the course of his life). Life to him was meant to be enjoyed.

He loved everything about the Erie Railroad and was so proud of his father as an Engineer and of his brother Larry, for all of their work for the Railroad. He would share railroad stories and about his childhood in Marion, Ohio, from the woods on Barks Road to Crystal Lake, and Owens Quarry. Most of his stories involved his brother Larry and his nephew, Fred Jones. They must have been three ornery kids growing up! His niece, Diane Hasson and sister-in-law, Linda Davis as well as many family members enjoyed the stories over the years.

In his younger years it was a frequent adventure with his daughters and several family members toHemlock Falls, Mohican for hiking and canoeing, skating at Hy-Way Rollerena, sledding, horseback riding, and ice skating at McKinley Park. You always knew it was going to be adventurous and fun!

In Sarasota he was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed boating and swimming. At the age of 84, he was faithfully swimming a mile three times each week and you did not want to interrupt his rhythm!

His happy place in more recent years was truly his backyard in Sarasota as his nephew, Greg Haas, shared a plaque stating just that as he proudly displayed.

Jack attended FiteMemorial Baptist Church in his younger years and was involved in many youth groups over the years. In his older years he found spirituality in the beauty of nature.

He was stubborn as a mule but truly made lemons turn into lemonade throughouthislifenomatterwhatthesituation. Jackwasintriguedbynew inventions and proud of his family. He once drove from Florida to Ohio just to see his grandsons play a basketball tournament game. When the game was over, he drove back to Florida. He became a loyal Florida Gator fan when his granddaughter attended college. Jack completed a family genealogy book for the descendants of Harold and Bessie Leeper Davis. This book includes numerous stories from family members growing up in Marion and will be forever cherished.

Jack always thought he could help make the world a better place. He was a hardcore democrat his entire life. Nearly every one of his sibling’s descendants have been actively involved in social justice - and we are all proud of this.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Larry Davis, ZelmaHaas, Lloyd Davis, Bob Davis, Betty Ratcliff and son in laws Rich *Dick* Potts and Terry Price.

He wanted absolutely no “fanfare” as he stated and to honor Jack Davis have a drink at your favorite happy place and if in Sarasota, visit Myakka State Park. He always said too many people visit Florida for its theme parks and beaches and miss so much of what Florida has to offer in its history, nature and wildlife. He ALWAYS found a way to make any situation fun so turn your lemons into lemonade and enjoy every minute! His line: Be good buddy and take care of yourself!