James "Jimmy" Davis

Mr. James “Jimmy” Davis, age 83, of Hazlehurst, died Thursday, May 9, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on January 25, 1942 in Jeff Davis County where he was raised and lived all his life. He began his working life early, farming alongside his father as a young boy. At the age of 20, he started a long and dedicated career at Hazlehurst Mills, where he worked as a mechanic supervisor for 43 years until his retirement. His strong work ethic, reliability, and steady hands left a lasting impression on all who knew and worked with him.

Jimmy was a simple, good-hearted man who found joy in life’s everyday pleasures. He loved tending his garden, planting both flowers and vegetables with care. An avid fisherman, he took every opportunity to be out on the water. He had a natural talent for carpentry and could fix just about anything—a skill he enjoyed sharing with his youngest son, Kelly, as they worked together to help family and friends. In his free time, he found comfort in the classics—especially western movies and his favorite soap operas.

Above all else, Jimmy loved his family. He found his greatest happiness in spending time with those he held dear. He lived a life rooted in love, family, and quiet strength, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Estelle Strickland Davis; his daughter, Debra Colson; his brothers, Clinton Norman Davis, and J.C. Davis; his sisters, Eula Mae Adams, and Shelby Jean Westberry; his great-grandchild, Riley Miller; his niece, Kandi Beckum; and his nephew, Keith Adams.

His family includes his wife of 42 years, Marie Buttram Davis of Hazlehurst; his sons, James Edward “Jimbo” Davis (Gail) of Graham, and Kelly Davis (Nora) of Hazlehurst; his daughters, Melissa Davis Hall of Hazlehurst, and Rhonda Sellers of Lumber City; his grandchildren, Jamie Davis, Anna Miller, Nicole Higginbotham; Zachary Hall, Gabe Hall, Kayleigh Kersey, Meredith Ryals, Harrison Pearson, Donovan Dickey, and Mika Brockington; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home with Chaplain Michael Miller and Harrison Pearson officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until just prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Josh Miller, Zachary Hall, Colt Brockington, Benji Poore, Terry Davis, and Tony Davis.

Honorary pallbearers will be friends and co-workers of Hazlehurst Mills.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Davis family are in charge of all arrangements.

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