Earnest Davis, Sr.

Mr. Earnest Davis, Sr. was born on May 23, 1931 to Jimmy Davis and Lillie Mae Stanley. Earnest attended Jacksonville Beach Public Schools #144 and Douglas Anderson.

Mr. Earnest was a soft-spoken man, with a wealth of knowledge about life during the times of segregation. He enjoyed telling stories of the past and many enjoyed listening.

“Mr. E.” as he was affectionately known, worked various odd jobs growing up, some of those included the Jacksonville Beach bowling alley setting bowling pins, the dredge boat in the St. Johns River and in Miami, he filled sandbags on the beach before storms and he worked at Beaches Laundry for 30 years. By the 1960’s Mr. E. decided he would embark on a journey that would lead to the implementation of the Voo Swar almost a decade later. His dream was to create a place where black Navy Sailors that were discriminated against could go to as a home away from home. Now, almost 48 years later it has become a pillar of the Beaches community known for its delicious food and entertainment. 

Mr. E. departed this life surrounded by the love of his family and friends on Saturday, June 1,2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie Mae Stanley and Jimmy Davis; siblings, Joseph Davis, Lewis Davis, Jimmie Davis, Lillian Davis, and Linda Stanley; his children, Yvonne Davis, Glenn Davis, and Lillian Davis Pitts; son-in-law, Harry Pitts, Sr.; and grandson, Harry Pitts, Jr.

His wonderful life and legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, Earnest Davis, Jr., Joyetta Davis Carlson, Wayne Davis, Arbie Washington, Reggie Washington, Lewis Washington, Princess Williams and Katelynn Washington; three generations of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the family. 

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