Clifford "Cliff" Young Davis' Obituary
On March 22nd, 2016 the Lord called home a man of great courage, compassion, and humor, Clifford Young Davis III. Born on June 26, 1965, Cliff lived a full fifty years here on earth, surrounded by his wife of 25 years, Nancy Burns Davis and his legacies, Grace and Chip Davis. A man who believed rules were merely a suggestion and business was all about loyalty and integrity left the world better than he found it. He was a graduate of Briarcrest Christian School in 1983, and continued his education at Memphis State University, graduating with a degree in public relations. Spending the majority of his college days surrounded by his Kappa Alpha Order brothers, he spent little time studying and more time enjoying the company of people he loved. Mr. Two–Time President of Kappa Alpha believed success was not necessarily about what you know, but rather in the ability to surround yourself with people who knew more than you. “Big Daddy”, as he was affectionately called, never met a stranger. From fishing on the White River, barbequing by the Mississippi, or listening to live music at the Levitt Shell, he was always surrounded by people who loved him. His laughter could be heard from miles away, just like his snoring and his sneezes. Breakfast at Bryant’s was a must every Saturday morning, ordering a sampler plate and eating every bite. Football games or NASCAR races were always on the TV. Cliff was the definition of a man who lived life to the fullest. He was “all in” every day of his life. If you asked him to go out for a beer he would tell you have the salt shaker ready. And when it was football time in Fayetteville, he would be there tailgating. Similar to Clark Griswold, he always wanted the biggest Christmas tree. While he found joys in little things in life, he was at his happiest surrounded by his family and friends. We have no doubt he is having a party up in heaven, while his family is keeping his traditions alive here. Family was everything to Cliff and he was sorry to leave behind his beloved mother, June Davis, his sister Melissa Jolly, and her children, Drew and Lexie Schwab. In addition, the memories of Cliff stay alive through his Uncle and Aunt, W.W. and Carolyn Davis, and their daughter, who was like a sister to Cliff, Cindy Frazier. Also, father-in-law Ron Burns, sister-in law, Jenny Reed (husband Donnie), and their son Cole, survive him. Many other family members and friends across the states are saddened at this loss. Cliff was reunited with many of his loved ones. His father, Clifford Young Davis, Jr., his grandfather Clifford Young Davis, Sr., and his grandmother Florence Mae Hargis. In addition, welcoming him in the gates of heaven were his uncle and aunt Dick and Marge Grover and his aunt, Jean Douglas. Also, his mother-in-law Nancy Burns and grandfather-in-law LD Burns. They are rejoicing to have Cliff join them, and are with us each step of our lives, watching over us. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful army of angels. Very few men can say they honestly lived a courageous life, however, Cliff Davis can. Cliff started the courageous battle to stay alive when he was 19 and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, cancer had no bearing on him and he continued to be the life of the party. He faced each day knowing the effects of radiation would soon catch up with him, but that did not stop him from being a gregarious man. While his family and friends are sorrowed to no longer have the joy his smile brings in their life anymore, they are all so thankful to have had the time they did with him. In the words of Cliff Davis in a letter to his daughter, “Love is the most special gift we are given in life. To experience love is to experience life.” We thank “Big Daddy” for allowing us to love him, and for giving us that love back in threefold. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 1 from 5-7pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 pm, Saturday, April 2 at St. Louis Catholic Church, White Station Road. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the burial. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life…Behind the Stone Wall.”
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