BENNIE LEE DAVIS
Bennie Lee Davis, 75, departed this earth on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at his home, 1715 N. St. Paul Church Road.
He was the husband of Emily Mae Brooks Davis. Bennie was the firstborn child of the late Robert Lee Davis and Thelma Lucille Mellette Davis. Born on Aug. 21, 1944, in Rembert, he met and married his high school sweetheart, Emily, in 1966. To this 53-year union four children were born.
After graduating from Ebenezer High School, Dalzell, in 1965, Bennie served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and served a stint in Vietnam. He was employed for a number of years with General Telephone Co., even after a work-related accident that confined him to a wheelchair. A person of great determination and a vivacious spirit, Bennie continued driving and shopping around town. He continued an active lifestyle bowling, even traveling out of state to his bowling league competitions. He also was an umpire for Little League Baseball. An avid lover of sports, he was known in high school as "Bulldog," because of his tenacity on the football field.
Bennie had an infectious smile, great wit and a winning personality. He loved to cook and took pleasure in sharing his culinary creations. The wheelchair that somewhat confined his physical abilities could not confine his spirit, as he maintained a positive outlook on life, motivated others and continued an active lifestyle, until his recent health decline.
In addition to his wife, Emily, our beloved Bennie leaves to cherish his memory and maintain his legacy: five children, Valjenia L. Davis, Romero B. Davis, Rajenia (David) Johnson of Sumter and Maurice G. Davis of Oak Harbor, Washington; a special son, Bernardo Brooks; two brothers, James (Sharon) Davis of Evanston, Illinois, and Robert (Debbie) Davis; and one sister, Ruth Shaw of Sumter. Bennie will also be fondly missed by 11 sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; 12 grandchildren, Shalaya Davis, Romero D. (Shantel) Davis, Cerise Johnson, Tiemara Stephen, David A. Johnson, Niya Stephen, Keonta Bethea, Elijah Crookshank, Jykwane Holliday, Shaniya Brooks, Bernardo Brooks Jr. and Lennox Brooks; two great-granddaughters, Jesiya Bennett and Mekynna Johnson; and a host of special grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
He was predeceased by both his parents; a sister, Maria Davis; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Hester L. Brooks.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.