W. Harry Davis

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Davis, W. Harry With the sounds of his favorite music on the CD player and the voices of his family praying for him in the background, W. Harry Davis (83) drifted off to eternal sleep at his home on Friday August 11, 2006. Harry faced death with the same class and courage that he exhibited throughout his life. His faith in God gave him the strength to endure months of chemotherapy without complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Harry continued his speaking engagements, book signings and stayed involved in the community almost to the end. When it became evident that he would lose his battle with cancer, he bravely accepted his fate. Harry was a fighter. He had been a fighter all of his life, and to him cancer was just another opponent on his life's journey. Even though Harry lost, he won the opportunity to be reunited with his beloved wife, Charlotte, and the right to spend eternity with the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the Universe. Harry, rose from the impoverished Minneapolis ghetto of his childhood to become a twenty-year member of the Minneapolis School Board, founded the Minneapolis Urban Coalition and fought for civil rights most of his adult life. In 1971, he was the first black man to run for Minneapolis mayor with major party backing. He overcame polio as a child to become an excellent boxer and the region's most successful amateur boxing coach. He also served on the U. S. Olympic boxing committee. Harry was born April 12, 1923 to Elizabeth (Libby) Jackson and Lee Davis in Minneapolis, MN. Harry was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-one years, Charlotte. He is survived by their children; Rita Lyell (Joey), Harry Jr. (Bobbi), Richard (Michelle), and Evan (Blythe). Grandchildren; Corey, Ramar, Charlotte, Nasstasha, Rekia, Chloe, Jaylyn, Juwan, Myles, Angelina, Mikayla, Melik and Jaliya. Great grandchildren; Joshua, Keyon, Kierra and Isaiah. A special thanks to Yvette Davis for the devoted, loving care she gave Harry during his last days. Visitation is Thursday, August 17, 2006 from noon to 8:00 PM at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church 511 Groveland, Minneapolis. A celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 10:00 AM at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the celebration. Additional church parking at the Walker Art Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Circle of Discipline (Golden Gloves), W. Harry Davis Academy and Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. An account has been opened at Wells Fargo Bank for donations to purchase copies of Harry's book CHANGEMAKER to be given to Minnesota schools. For questions please contact Estes Funeral Chapel Estes Funeral Chapel 612-521-6744

Published on August 16, 2006