Obituary

Dennis Elwood Davis Sr., 79, of Institute, WV, died Monday, January 18, 2021, at home with his wife and son.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond E. and Martha G. Davis; his sister, Lillian Kathryn Curry; brother, Richard H. Davis; and first wife, Cora Sue Davis.
His military service began in 1959 when he joined ROTC at West Virginia State College. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army and graduated in 1965 from the Non-Commissioned Officer School in Fort Sill, OK. He received his honorable discharge in 1970.
In 1968, he received his Bachelor of Science in Education from West Virginia State College. He began his career as a teacher at Dupont Junior High School in 1968. In 1975, he received his Master of Science from Marshall University. Dennis went on to become Job Placement Specialist at the Ben Franklin Career Center, Coordinator of Adult Education at the Garnet Career Center, Coordinator of Cooperative Education and finally Assistant Superintendent of Kanawha County Schools for Vocational, Technical and Adult Education. He spent 29 years with the Kanawha County school system.
In 1996, Governor Cecil Underwood appointed Dennis as Executive Director of Workforce Development for West Virginia, where he served for four years. Dennis founded the Davis Property Preservation Company and retired from this work in 2009. In 2013, he served briefly as a member of the Kanawha County Board of Education, filling a previous member’s unexpired term. In January 2017, Governor Jim Justice appointed Dennis as Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. He gave his life in service to his country and was dedicated to honoring the veterans of West Virginia and the United States of America.
He was a loving and dedicated husband and father. Together 38 years, he is survived by his wife, Margaret L. Davis; children, Raymond E. Davis, Denise Renee Davis Sutton (husband Earl Sutton), Erin M. Stuck, Katherine L. Sekercak (husband Britt Sekercak), and Dennis E. “Woody” Davis Jr.; his sister, Juanita McCarty, and two brothers, Harold Eugene Davis (wife Jane) and James Arthur Davis (wife Lynn); and 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
Burial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, at Donel C. Kinnard State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV with Pastor Harold Gilmer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family is inviting friends and loved ones to make donations to the West Virginia Veterans Home, 512 Water Street, Barboursville, WV 25504
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements

Memorial Service

Date & Time: January 25, 2021 (10:00 AM)
Venue: Donel C. Kinnard State Veterans Cemetery
Location: Dunbar, WV, WV 25064 - (Get Directions)

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14 responses to Mr. Dennis Elwood Davis, Sr.

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David Ross says:

January 23, 2021

Dennis was a wonderful friend. I met him when I was a Counselor at Herbert Hoover. We immediately hit it off and developed not only a great friendship with each other, but a lasting mutual trust. In the late 1980’s I applied for an opening at Ben Franklin Careet Center as the Adult Counselor/Job Placement Administrator. I knew there was a lot of interest from several well qualified people, so I was a bit nervous when I had my interview. When it ended, the Principal looked at me and said that I would be hired. I was absolutely floored, but excited to get the position. I found out a few years later that Dennis had strongly recommended me. We became even closer, and when he visited the school, he would always come in my office, take a seat and ask how I was doing and if I needed anything. Every year at Christmas time my wife and I would find him with the Lion’s Club selling Christmas trees and buy one. I treasured his confidence in me and we had a friendship that never wavered. I will miss him.

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David Ross says:

January 23, 2021

Dennis was a wycrie d. I met him when I was a counselor at Herbert Hoover. We immediately hit it off and developed not only a great friendship with each other, but a lasting mutual trust. In the late 1980’s I applied for an opening at Ben Franklin Careet Center as the Adult Counselor/Job Placement Administrator. I knew there was a lot of interest from several well qualified people, so I was a bit nervous when I had my interview. When it ended, the Principal looked at me and said that I would be hired. I was absolutely floored, but excited to get the position. I found out a few years later that Dennis had strongly recommended me. We became even closer, and when he visited the school, he would always come in my office, take a seat and ask how I was doing and if I needed anything. Every year at Christmas time we would find him with the Lion’s Club hawking trees and buy one. I treasured his confidence in me and a friendship that never wavered. I will miss him.

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Karen L. Wilson says:

January 22, 2021

My condolence to the Davis family. My prayers are with your family.

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Harold and Joann Walker says:

January 22, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God rest your soul. RIP big guy.

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Harold and Joann Walker says:

January 22, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague. Prayers for his family. May God rest his soul. RIP big guy.

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