For those of you who havent been made aware, my beloved Pops, Coley Hampton Davis, passed away yesterday around 1pm. Butters and I left Texas around midnight on Monday, in an attempt to make it home to see him one last time. Sadly, we were unable to make it in time. The outpouring of love & compassion that has been shown to our family by the local community, local/state elected officials, church family (First Baptist Church of Douglas), friends, business colleagues, the customers of Davis Radiator, my #NoKidHungry peeps, my colleagues at The John Cooper School, and everyone else, has been overwhelming. Pops was the quiet type, who would have probably shaken his head, grinned mischievously, and then mumbled something snarky, at all of the wonderful things that have been said about him. He never sought the spotlight; rather, he was the kind of man who lived his life in service to his country, his community, and to others. He founded Davis Radiator in 1959, and operated the successful automotive business with my grandmother (the infamous MEMS) until his 86th birthday, shortly after the fire occurred. Right now, 87 years doesnt seem like enough life for Pops. But thats because we miss him so very much. He lived a thousand lives during those 87 years. However, hundreds and hundreds have visited to pay respects to our family, and each conversation inevitably begins with Mr. Coley never knew how his words changed my life. Even now, as I continue to listen to those words, Im moved to tears every time. What a legacy Pops leaves behind for Dusty & me! The 30th of August would have been my grandparents 66th wedding anniversary, and as Pops often quipped I never even thought about trading her in for a newer model because she is still the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on. Many folks often ask me from where I got my sense of style. That is an easy question to answer. He was always the dapper dresser. He taught me how to polish dress shoes to a spit shine, and made me an expert at tying a Windsor Knot by the age of 3. Yesterday, Mems asked me (and my brother) to help pick out the outfit for Pops. She said she wanted him to look his best. For me, the toughest thing so far has been picking out the last coat, slacks, shirt, and tie that hell ever wear. But I can tell yall one thing, his ornery and debonair self will be dressed to the nines one last time! ❤️ We will receive guests, and the visitation/wake will be Thursday from 6pm until 9pm, at Sims Funeral Home. Pops will lie in state from 1-2pm on Friday, and his Homegoing Service, and the celebration of his life, will begin at 2pm, at the First Baptist Church of Douglas, GA. As many of you know, Pops is a decorated veteran and war hero, who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps after the Second World War. His last deployment was in the Pacific Theater. Pops will be buried with military honors. I will be giving his eulogy. Love to you all, Roman
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:35:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015