Percel Davis

Percel Davis was born in Towncreek, GA on June 28, 1940, to the union of the late Richard & Le-Ethyl Davis (Smith). He was the 5th child of four brothers: Richard [Deceased (D)], Arthur (D), Sherman (D), and Frank, and three sisters: Allene, Elizabeth (D), and Richella (D). In 1947, Percel's father relocated the family to Cleveland, Ohio, after the death of his mom, when he was seven years old.

At an early age, Percel accepted Christ and was a God-fearing man. His last church affiliation and membership was with East Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Arlyn Davis. Percel was educated in the Cleveland Public School system, which is where he garnered some of his business savvy. Percel met his current wife, Wanda Mitchell in 1981 and they dated for several years. They united in marriage on September 20, 1986 and with their union, they created a blended family of eight children. The word "step" was never used...just one family...ONE LOVE.

Percel was a man of many interests and talents. As a young adult, he loved boxing and had the opportunity to be part of the Golden Gloves, where he participated in boxing exhibitions and competitions. With his desire to help children, he enjoyed volunteering at the local Boys & Girls Club. Davis was proud to become a member of the Masonic Organization, St. John Grand Lodge in Cleveland in the 1970's. His favorite Bible bears the Mason logo, and it is evident that he relished it based on its tattered condition; he read his favorite scripture, Psalm 23, daily.

As a fervent outdoorsman, Davis had a love for hunting, boating, fishing and fancy vehicles - cars, trucks, boats, and RV Campers. He joined the Intercity Yacht Club (IYC) in the early 1990's, where he Captained several cruisers, each one bigger than the last. Family and friends enjoyed many days n' nights on the water and at IYC with Captain Davis. He often told his wife, "Honey, the only thing I'm missing is a plane". And she would say, "Right Darling". We know had he maintained that interest, he would've gotten that plane, because he achieved all he set out to accomplish.

And ohhhh yes...Mr. Davis had a LOVE for talking and joking; he truly had the gift of gab. He could talk to anyone for hours, because you know he knew everything. He valued imparting his vast knowledge and wisdom to those young and old, while sipping on his favorite beverage, Courvoisier. He thoroughly enjoyed life and spending quality time with his family and friends. He and Wanda hosted the BEST parties and events, and everyone was welcomed with open arms.

Even as a little lad, Davis was a very enterprising young man. Creating his own business as a child, every Saturday he and his crew would carry groceries for shoppers at the local grocery stores. The guys had to turn in the money collected to Percel, then he would divide and distribute their pay checks. Undoubtedly, this was the beginning of Mr. Davis' Entrepreneurial Kingdom. He always loved money and patterned his life as such; he was a hard-working man.

In 1958, Percel began his professional career by starting his own landscaping business, "Davis and Son Landscaping". He was determined to succeed; he would not be denied. He purchased a lawn mower and hedge trimmers and found his first customer off Green Road by catching the bus to the neighborhood, then pushing the equipment the rest of the way. He'd walk miles with his flyers with the motto "No yard too large; no yard too small". Year-by-year the business slowly grew, and after about 15 years it started flourishing, and he hired his first steady crew. Percel and Wanda became the best business partners. They continued to grow Davis & Son Landscaping, to become one of the premier landscaping companies in Cleveland. Together they owned two hardware stores, Davis Dairy Freeze restaurant, acquired real estate, and in 2002, co-founded their legacy, The Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center, where they have bridged the gap in the Digital Divide by training 8,500+ community residents throughout Greater Cleveland. Wanda and Percel have positively impacted the Glenville community for 40 years. Davis wore a badge of honor for all their accomplishments, including having managed his businesses for over 55 years. One of his favorite mottos, "Just do it!"; which is how he lived his life.

On November 6, 2023, Percel departed his earthly shell and gained his Angel Wings to go be with the Lord. Others preceding him in death: first wife, Caroline Davis (Merritt); sons, Michael Davis and Terrance Davis; daughter, Yvonne Davis; grandson, Ja'Von Davis; and great-grandson, Michael (Mike-Mike) Davis. He leaves to cherish his amazing life and memory, Wanda Davis, wife & partner of 44 years; daughters, Shaletha Mitchell Davis, Carmen Davis Pope, and Juanita Thompson; sons, Eric Davis (Clarissa), and Lil Percel Bodi; second mother, Lillian (Kay) Law; brothers, Frank Davis (Emily), Steven Davis (Ann), and Richard Davis (Lottie); sisters, Allene Rogers, Wanda Lawson, and Kathy (Anthony) Holland; and a host of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and Old Buddy.

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