SR0634 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0634 LRB104 20923 RMO 34691 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Willie James Davis of the Washington Heights neighborhood of Chicago, who passed away on February 10, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis, the son of Hezekiah "H.D." and Mazzie Lee Davis, was born in Parkdale, Arkansas on June 28, 1945; he was raised on a plantation where his family transitioned from sharecropping to land ownership in 1961, a milestone he carried with pride; he committed to his faith at an early age at Penny Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; he attended Savage Junior High and LeGrande High School, segregated schools where basketball, football, and baseball were a major part of his youth; he pursued a bachelor's degree in sociology at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and was drafted into the Vietnam War soon afterward; following his honorable discharge in 1969, he married Ruby Jewel Morgan in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis and his wife built a fulfilling life together in Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood; he worked as an operational engineer for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for over 30 years and remained committed to lifelong learning, earning additional certifications and licenses to excel in his field; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis participated in recreational sports for many years, often competing with younger players and frequently coming out ahead; he loved to dance and was known for his distinctive fashion sense and impeccably polished shoes; he was deeply involved in his community and supported organizations such as UNCF, the ArkChi Club of Chicago, the Southside Youth Basketball Association, and the Chicago Alumni Chapter of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis experienced profound loss when his wife passed away on October 16, 2013; however, life still had companionship in store for him, and he formed a special friendship with his neighbor, Dr. Cora Suddoth-Gore, who was an unwavering source of comfort and support in his final days; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and his siblings, Benny, Mattie C., Elmorean, and Christine; and

WHEREAS, Willie Davis is survived by his siblings, U.S. Congressman Danny K. (Vera) Davis, Jesse Davis Sr., Dr. Ceola Davis-Barnes, Barbara Nelson Lawrence, Floretta Davis, and Dr. Cedrick Sterrett; his daughters, Crystal (Phillip) Hamm and Raquel (Craig-Lee) Ferrell; his son, Stephen Fyre; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Willie James Davis and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willie Davis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.