Curtis E. Davis, Sr.

Curtis E. Davis, Sr., 86, of Springfield, Ohio entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, December 23, 2023. He was at home, with his wife right by his side. Curtis was born in Springfield on April 11, 1937 to Ellis and Ina (Smith) Davis.

He grew up as “Kirkie Boy”, but as he grew older his name shortened to “Kirkie” by friends and family. Curtis would answer to whichever name he was called. Throughout his 56 years with his wife, he only called her “Honey” and would refer to her as “My Wifie”. The name he gave her to call him was “Sweet Pea”, so she was his “Honey” and he was her “Sweet Pea”.

Kirkie was a member of Restored Life Ministries (formerly St. Luke Baptist Church), where he was a faithful, lifetime member. He loved his church family and they loved him.

He enjoyed numerous hobbies including bowling, cooking, fishing, growing vegetables in his garden, planting flowers, traveling, and taking care of their pets. Kirkie also loved to sing and dance, which he did both really well. He loved working on cars, Kirkie loved building anything he put his mind to, and he installed and repaired any and everything in need of his attention in his home. Kirkie was truly a "Jack of all Trades".

After retiring from International Harvester, Kirkie and Honey spent 32 happy years living in Chicago, and Oak Park, Illinois, loving their jobs and meeting many famous musicians. After retiring from the College of DuPage, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois as Head Chef, they began a highly sought after “Nana and Papa’s Daycare” spending 11 beautiful years with their daycare babies and their families, whom they are still in touch with today. They then returned home to Springfield to live with and care for their loving mom, Mamie Riggs, until she passed away at the age of 93.

He became employed at Kohls and Oesterlen Youth Services where he dedicated his time and his love to the Oesterlen children, accepting their love in return. Kirkie always had great relationships and lasting friendships with his coworkers, especially at Oesterlen.

Kirkie leaves to cherish his memory: his "Honey", the love of his life for 56 years, and they celebrate their Wedding Anniversary on New Year's Day; daughter, Tia Davis of Dayton, Ohio; sons, Curtis E. Davis, Jr. of Huber Heights, Ohio, James L. Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Robair Walls of Pensacola, Florida; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Antoniette Williams; granddaughter, Nelynn Davis; sister, Ella Mae (Kookie) Johnson; two brothers, Joseph and George Welliford; and his parents.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Restored Life Ministries, 1117 Innisfallen Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45506. Interment: Ferncliff Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.