Brother Cecil Toussaint Davis, Jr. peacefully departed this life in his home on the evening of Saturday, September 30, 2023. He was the eldest son to the late Cecil T. Davis, Sr., and Helen Louise (Jones) Davis, born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 28, 1950. He was predeceased by one brother, Angelo Davis, and sister, Kathleen Malone. Cecil was educated in Chesapeake Public Schools (Crestwood). He was a biology major and member of the Fraternal Brotherhood of Gamma Epsilon Theta, Inc., graduating from the Hampton Institute (now University). He retired after 38 years of service for the government at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, VA.

Cecil was introduced to Dorinda by his Aunt Sara E. Roberts and after a short courtship he won her over. Their union of forty-five years produced three children Krystle, Cicely Fay, and Cecil Ray. Cecil was a wonderful father; providing for his family was always a top priority. He believed in, loved, and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ. One of his favorite sayings, “God looks out for babies and fools, and I ain’t no baby” understanding that God loved him and would take care of him.

The legacy of the Candy Shop was never far from his taste buds, as he always had a hankering for something sweet. As an avid music lover, Cecil collected music albums, 8-tracks, cassette tapes, CDs, and MP3s – music in every format! His absolute favorite artist was the Legendary James Brown! His collecting extended to stamps, sports cards, coins, and crossword puzzles.

He became a member of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Donald F. Taylor, Sr. in 1996. He was a longtime, faithful member serving with the Male Ushers Fellowship and the Seniors Ministry until his health declined.

Cecil was a very involved and proficient Mason with the Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) for over 33 years and served in several positions. Over those years, his commitment and obligations allowed him to attain numerous awards and certificates through the ranks he mastered in the Grand Lodge.

He held positions and membership in the following Masonic houses:

  • Past Worshipful Master, Joshua Lodge #66 Prince Hall Affiliated
  • Past District Deputy Grand Master of District #1
  • Past High Priest, Cohesion Chapter# 14, Holy Royal Arch
  • Past Thrice Illustrious Master, James E. Fuller Council #2, Royal & Select Masters of Virginia
  • Past Eminent Commander & Divisional Deputy, St. Thomas Commandery #4, Knights Templar (King Baldwin Grand Commandery)

Cecil’s community services included:  the Estherine J. Harding Scholarship supporting Norfolk State University; Book Drive and Renovation of the St. Helena Elementary School Library; Operation Santa Claus and Back to School supplies for the youth. He was also a member of Elizabeth-Fragrant Rose #34, Order of the Eastern Stars, PHA. District #1.

Cecil is survived by his loving wife, Dorinda; his children, Krystle, Cicely Owens (Kareem), Cecil (Kimberleigh); six grandchildren, Cecil Ray Jr, Lilyana, Levi, Zoë, River, and Kobe; his sisters, Frances Anderson, Yvonne Martin; his brothers, Christopher, Albert, Brenton, and Antonio; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.