Bobby James Davis Jr's Obituary
Bobby James Davis Jr. was born in Norfolk (Fort Eustis) Virginia on May 14, 1954. When he was 5 years-old, in 1959, he developed mumps, which was complicated by meningeal encephalitis. This resulted in both physical and cognitive disabilities.
In the 1960’s, there were limited programs to assist children with special needs. Many families hid children like Bobby from the public. With the love and encouragement from mom and dad, Bobby was able to perform basic skills without professional assistance. He learned to dress, eat with the appropriate utensils and was able to perform chores around the home. Once his duties were completed, he enjoyed playing outside and listening to music. His favorite R&B song was “Walk on By “by Dionne Warwick and Isaac Hayes. When attending church, Bobby’s favorite gospel song was “Peace Be Still”.
Bobby had a love for family time and the dinner table was the mandatory meeting place. It was important that everyone be present. If someone was missing or late Bobby would insist that the rest of the family wait until everyone was in their assigned place. He was always excited around the Christmas holidays because the family would enjoy decorating the aluminum tree. In addition, mom filled the house with the aroma of cakes and pies for Santa Claus when he delivered the toys. Bobby soon figured out Santa Claus was dad who stayed up late at night putting bikes together along with sprinkling toys around the tree.
Bobby spent the latter part of his teen and adult years primarily at Sonoma Developmental Center. Although the decision was difficult to allow him to live away from home, this environment enabled Bobby to receive the ongoing physical therapies and programs that were catered to his pace and style of learning.
What made the transition bearable for the family was the long standing tradition of Bobby’s mandatory meetings at the dinner table. The dinner table was transported on a frequent basis 100 miles roundtrip for 40 + years for the family to enjoy meals together. He loved mom’s fried chicken and potato salad. He would often come home for the holidays but his preference was for the family to visit him and take long rides in the Sonoma Valley, listen to music and partake in the family meals.
Through God’s infinite wisdom and His grace, He used Bobby to infect the family with the desire to love and serve others. The conduit that facilitated this desire (little did the family know) was the mandatory dinner table meetings. The dinner table allowed Bobby to plant seeds in all his family members that would bear fruit of being faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Bobby transitioned from labor to reward on December 6, 2014. He leaves a legacy of teaching and molding one of God’s greatest lessons and that’s loving and serving others.
1 Peter 4:10 “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”.
Bobby leaves to mourn dedicated parents Bobby and Thelma Davis, sister Sharon ‘Diane’; brother Kelvin and sister-in-law Donna; nephew Kelvin Jr., and niece Jasmine; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, and a host of dedicated caregivers/staff from Sonoma Developmental Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Bobby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bobby?
Share a story where Bobby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bobby you’ll never forget.
How did Bobby make you smile?