John T. Davis, 75, of Marion, went home to be with his heavenly father, Savior and Lord at 11:52 PM, Sunday, September 22, 2013 at his home with his loving family by his side. They had just had a bedside time of worship and praise when God’s faithful servant took his last breath and went to be with the one he served for over 45 years.
John was born May 19, 1938 in Williamson County to Harrison and Elsie (Barwick) Davis. He married Betty Ann Craig at his Uncle Ray Beasley’s home on July 5, 1961 in Crab Orchard. Together they shared 52 years of marriage together. She survives of Marion.
In his younger years, John worked at Norge Co. in Herrin. He later moved to Joliet to work at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. After two years, he was offered a job at the Caterpillar Plant in Aurora where he stayed for seven years before moving back to southern IL. He worked for Peabody Coal for 17 years. He loved coal mining and said many times he was proud to be a coal miner. He was a member of local #1602.
John loved the outdoors. He liked working outside with his animals, teaching his grandchildren how to raise chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits and little bit of everything else. He belonged to the local Beekeeper Association and had some of the best clover honey around which was always in demand. He enjoyed working on lawnmowers and small engines for people and was always glad to lend a helping hand. His constant companion and friend was his Australian Shepherd- “Lady”. For 15 years they were inseparable.
He attended Christian Life Fellowship Church and had an unwavering faith in God. He never missed a service unless he was sick. He enjoyed listening to the Gaither Gospel Music and he would often listen to them for hours. He was a man of great integrity who loved a good joke and was always happy and smiling.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife- Betty Ann Davis of Marion; daughters- Nicki Spiller and husband Jeff of Johnston City and Stachia Cullers and husband David of Pittsburg; two grandchildren- Marika Kosek and husband Tommy of Carterville and Zachary Spiller of Johnston City; two special special great grandchildren who were very dear to “Poppy’s” heart- Hailee Kosek and Jacob Kosek; sisters- Lula Feltz and Alma Kelly of Creal Springs, Reva and William Berard of Ottawa and Pearl and William Kirman of Plainfield; two brothers- Edward and Iletta Davis of Creal Springs and Kenneth and Linda Davis of Marion and many loving nieces, nephews and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter- Terri Lynn, sisters- Dortha Bailey and Wilma Davis and brothers- James and William Davis.
He spent his last 15 years battling illness on and off. Now he can rest in peace; he has now come to the time for which he lived. This is not the end, but the beginning. Our comfort lies in the truth “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”- Rev. 14:13
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Kenny Blumenstock will officiate. Burial will follow at Coal Bank Springs Cemetery in rural Marion. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Thursday, at the funeral home.