Bennie Lee Davis

Sumter, SC… Bennie Lee Davis, 75, departed this earth at his home, 1715 N. St. Paul Church Road on Sunday, February 9, 2020.  He was the husband of Emily Mae Brooks Davis. Bennie was the first born child on the Late Robert Lee Davis and Thelma Lucille Mellette Davis.  Born in Rembert, SC on August 21, 1944, he met and married his high school sweetheart, Emily, in 1966. To this 53-year union 4 children were born

After graduating from Ebenezer High School (Dalzell) in 1965, Bennie served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and served a stint in Vietnam. He was employed for a number of years with General Telephone Company even after a work-related accident that confined him to a wheelchair.  A person of great determination and a vivacious spirit, Bennie continued driving and shop around town. He continued an active lifestyle bowling-- even traveling out of state to his bowling league competitions. He also was an umpire for little league baseball. An avid lover of sports, he was known in high school as bulldog because of his tenacity on the football field.

Bennie had an infectious smile, great wit, and a winning personality.  He loved to cook and took pleasure in sharing his culinary creations.  The wheelchair that somewhat confined his physical abilities could not confine his spirit, as he maintained a positive outlook on life, motivated others, and continued an active lifestyle until his recent health decline.

In addition to his wife, Emily, our beloved Bennie leaves to cherish his memory and maintain his legacy: 5 children, Valjenia L. Davis, Romero B. Davis; Rajenia (David) Johnson of Sumter, and Maurice G. Davis of  Oak Harbor, Washington; a special son, Bernardo (Taneisha) Brooks; 2 Brothers: James (Sharon) Davis of Evanston, Illinois; Robert (Debbie) Davis; and 1 Sister, Ruth Shaw of Sumter. Bennie will also be fondly missed by 11 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in law, 12 grandchildren: Shalaya Davis, Romero D. (Shantel) Davis, Cerise Johnson, Tiemara Stephen, David A. Johnson, Niya Stephen, Keonta Bethea, Elijah Crookshank, Jykwane Holliday, Shaniya Brooks, Bernardo Brooks, Jr., and Lennox Brooks, and  2 great-grand daughters: Jesiya Bennett and Mekynna Johnson;  and a host of special grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.

 He was predeceased by both his parents, a sister, Maria Davis, and  father-in-law  and mother-in-law, Thomas and Hester L. Brooks.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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