HOPE DAVIS JR.

Hope Davis Jr., 80, was born on Sept. 7, 1940, in Sumter County, to the late Hope Miller Davis Sr. and Lenora Scott Davis. He peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter.

At an early age, Hope moved to New Jersey, where he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Linden. He worked for American Water Co. for more than 30 years. He retired in 2009 and relocated to Dalzell in 2011.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 26 years, Dorothy Graham Davis; one daughter, Celeste Dent of Duluth, Georgia; a stepdaughter, Sandra (Kendrick) McNeal of Charlotte, North Carolina; a stepson, Ronald (Gina) Richardson of Brooklyn, New York; two sisters, Lucille Davis and Jean Taylor, both of Sumter; a brother, Franklin Davis of Elizabeth, New Jersey; three brothers-in-law, Henry (Bobbie) Graham, Samuel (Louise) Graham and Harry (Greta) Graham, all of Sumter; four sisters-in-law, Freddie (Howard) Sanford of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rosa (James) Mardis and Mary (John) Porter, both of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Essie Graham of Sumter; a special nephew, Hope Miller Davis of Lithonia, Georgia; five grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family requested no visitation at the home.

Private graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, with the Rev. Samuel Graham officiating.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneral@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.