John William Davis

John William Davis, 71, of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011 He attended Polk County High School, Tennessee Military Institute and the University of Tennessee. He was born in Conasauga and after living in Cleveland for fourteen years, he moved back to the family farm. He moved back to Cleveland last year. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and he was retired from CSX Railroad. Some of you knew him through his love of cattle farming, some of you knew him from his years of ministry. Of all the things he did in life, the ministry and love of Jesus was his passion. He donated his body to science. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.I. and Dorothy Gilbert Davis. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Lillard Davis of Cleveland; daughter, Melynda Shepherd and husband, Kevin of Austin, TX; one granddaughter, the delight of his life, Lauren Carter of Chattanooga; five step grandchildren, Stacey Carter of Chattanooga, Lindsay Metcalf and husband, Dave of Grayslake, IL, and Ally, Avery and Ben Shepherd, all of Austin, TX; two step great grandchildren, Alexis Metcalf and Guy Metcalf, both of Grayslake, IL; sister, Ann Harris and husband, Ken of Chattanooga; brothers, Douglas Davis and wife, Joann of Athens and Joe Davis and wife, Judy of Cleveland; several nieces and nephews; Porky Carter of Chattanooga and numerous other friends who touched his life along the way. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 30, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Cleveland from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Immediately following, there will be worship service to honor his Lord and Savior, as it was his desire to honor Jesus in his life as well as his death. The family requests that memorials be made to the Generations Campaign of First Baptist Church, 1275 Stuart Road, Cleveland, TN 37312. Higgins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Davis family guest book at www.higginsfuneral.com.