Johnnie W. Davis was born July 25,1943, in Chicago, IL. He was the oldest of six children born to the union of the late Rosalee (nee Scrutchins) Davis and Charlie Davis.

After moving to Cleveland, Ohio, with his parents, Johnnie attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from John Hay High School in 1962.

He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at First Zion Baptist Church.

Johnnie was employed at General Motors as a machine operator at the Chevrolet Plant in Parma, Ohio, for over 40 years until his retirement in December 2006. He was also an auto mechanic and serviced many cars. He also enjoyed going to car auctions.

Johnnie met and married Jacqueline Preston on April 4, 1963. He has three children: Johnnie (Tonya), Jerri Davis, and Arius Booker.

“Papa D”, as he was affectionately known as, loved barbequing and enjoyed entertaining his family and friends. He loved to see everyone licking their fingers from his special “Johnnie finger-licking good” sauce! He also enjoyed helping others. He was a master meat carver and had a knack for carving all the meats that were served at family dinners. Something we will greatly miss! He was a music lover and often loved to listen to his jazz and gospel.

Our treasured memories will be of him laughing and joking around while cooking on the holidays for his family, friends, and neighbors. Johnnie departed this life on Sunday, May 7, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents Rosa Lee and Charlie Davis, sister Bernice Sams, brother Ike Lee Davis. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Jacqueline Davis, children: Johnnie C.(Tonya), Jerri Davis, Arius Booker, grandchildren: Torrell, Camilya Davis, Arius Jr, and Bryson Booker, siblings: Omar, Mitchell (Victoria), Westley (Jackie), special Aunt Isabel Davis, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.