Remembering Brother Nathaniel L. Davis, Trustee Emeritus of Bethune-Cookman University; Distinguished Educator and Charter Member of the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Nathaniel L. Davis, a WWII veteran, educator, Trustee Emeritus of Bethune-Cookman University and long time Jacksonville resident and community leader, died Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at Heritage Hospice, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. He was 88. A native of Miami Beach, Florida, Mr. Davis served on the USS Dorsey in the South Pacific during WWII. He subsequently attended Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Bethune-Cookman College), where he played football and became a charter member of the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Mr. Davis received his B.S. Degree in Business Education and Administration from Bethune-Cookman College, a Masters Degree in Education from Pennsylvania State University and an honorary Doctorate from Bethune-Cookman University. Mr. Davis began his distinguished 46-year career as an educator and administrator in Jacksonville, FL as the Director of the Frederick Douglas Business and Vocational School and he taught WWII veterans in the evenings at Stanton High School. Eventually, he was appointed Principal of the newly developed A. Philip Randolph Northside Skills Center, which under his leadership, developed into the states flagship career development institution. Mr. Davis also held other leadership positions in the Duval County School System at William M. Raines High School; Darnell-Cookman Junior High School; Matthew W. Gilbert Seventh Grade Center; Jean Ribault Jr. High School and James Weldon Johnson Seventh Grade Center. In his civic life, Mr. Davis received numerous community service awards and served on various boards and in various leadership positions including: Life Member and President of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (1984-1987); organizer and member of 100 Black Men of Jacksonville; member of the Gamma Beta Boule; member of the Northside Business Mens Club; Second Vice President of the James Weldon Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and President of the Duval County Retired Teachers Association (1999-2001). Mr. Davis was also active in the Episcopal Diocese for more than 30 years. He served on the Board of Trustees of The Episcopal High School and the St. Johns Cathedral Foundation. As a member of St. Johns Episcopal Cathedral since 1973, he served as Chalice Bearer, Vestry Member, Usher and Lay Reader. Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Vera W. Davis, he is survived by his three sons, Nathaniel G. Davis (Ruth) of Sacramento, CA; Charles D. Davis (Marilyn) of Atlanta, GA; Curtis M. Davis (Kimberly) of Houston, TX; five grandchildren, Natalie J. McKinney (Charles) of Memphis, TN; Charles M. Davis of Atlanta, GA; Cheryl M. Snyder (Damon) of Nashville, TN; Jordan A. and Amalia N. Davis of Boston, MA; seven great-grandchildren, Charles (Ayo) Nathaniel A. and Mathias (Chioke) W.T. McKinney of Memphis, TN; Chelsea A. and Quincy C. Davis of Atlanta, GA; Italia C., Savannah-Rae, and Lark E. Snyder of Nashville, TN; many cousins, nieces and nephews in Miami, FL and Cat Island, Bahamas;
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:53:36 +0000
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