Eugene Anthony Davis

Eugene Anthony (aka Gene, Anthony and “Cookie Man”) Davis transitioned on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 71 in Columbus, Ohio. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party. He was born on February 19, 1954, in Savannah, Ga, to his loving parents, Deacon Eugene (Deaconess Ruth M.) Davis. Both parents and his brother, Edwin Davis, Sr., preceded him in death. 

In his youth, he joined and served at Central Missionary Baptist Church. Eugene was educated in the public school system of Chatham County and graduated from Savannah High School (500 Washington Ave.) in 1972, where he played the trombone in the band and football for the “Blue Jackets”. He matriculated at Savannah State College (SSC now Savannah State University) and graduated in 1976 with a B. S. degree in sociology. While at SSC he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity during the fall of 1973, was the Dean of Pledgees for the Spring line of the next year, a Midshipman in the Naval ROTC program and graduated from the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. He switched from the Marine option to the Navy and served several years of active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, and the reserves. With a desire to continue serving and protecting our country, he went on active duty in 2004 and fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he spent time in Kuwait and gained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He was awarded the Expeditionary Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Certificate of Wartime Service 143rd Transcontinental during this period of service. Once he returned stateside, he resumed his duty as a correctional officer at North Central Correctional Complex and later became part of the team at Marion Correctional Institution, where he retired in 2019. He enjoyed the tranquility of his time while fishing! 

Eugene was a loving father of four wonderful children who will cherish his memory forever, Christopher ( Ayanna ) Davis , Sharrod Davis, Aleisha (Craig ) Layne and Anthony ( Ashley ) Davis, two stepchildren Aaron Goodwin and Dominique (Dwayne) Mason - Miller both of whom he had a huge part in rearing; his eleven grandchildren, Angelica and Ayah Davis, Carly Davis, Aalijah and Gabriel Layne, Asher Goodwin, Alani Mason and Brycen Mason - Miller, Brooklyn and Brayley Walden, and Brycen McGee.He is also survived by his four sisters, Patricia D. Welch, Diane Henderson, Elaine D. Dixie, Jeanette D. (Les) Lumpkins, two brothers Gerome and Barry Davis. two aunts Louretta Larry and Charlene Manigault, sister-in-law Dorothy Davis, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, shipmates, classmates, and friends.

The family will announce the "Celebration of Life Activities" and date of interment in Beaufort National Cemetery (Beaufort, South Carolina) at a future date.