Harry Lee Davis died at home in Oxford, Pennsylvania, on November 11, 2016. Born on January 12, 1951, in Pamplico, South Carolina, Harry was the firstborn child of the late Sarah Lee and Cleveland Davis. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he met his first wife, Janet, and had two children, Lakala and Emiko. Harry and his second wife, Marcia Bliey, had two additional children together, Kosiko and Jonathan. He was also the dear stepfather to his wife Esther’s two sons, Maurice and Courtland.
Harry was a true music lover. A largely self-taught guitarist, he also played the organ, keyboard, and clarinet. He spent hours learning to read music, researching his favorite songs and artists, and transferring his old vintage records into digital formats. He had regular jam sessions with fellow music enthusiasts and was always on the lookout for lost James Brown performances. Funk, blues, R&B, Spanish guitar, classic rock, and modern pop were all in his repertoire.
Harry enjoyed painting for a long period in his life. Several friends and family members are in possession of Harry Davis original landscapes, still lifes, and imaginative scenes. Harry loved to read from childhood on—comic books, memoirs, mystery novels, and biographies. His extensive reading led him to be an autodidact in many subjects. There wasn’t a topic that Harry didn’t know a little about, and there were many about which he knew a lot. Because of his unassuming demeanor, his humble genius was a quiet attribute. But one only had to hold a short conversation with him to realize the wealth of knowledge he held.
Harry had a unique and tremendous sense of humor that, when sparked, would elicit a laugh from him that was both infectious and uplifting. Prone to fits of giggles that would make his eyes water, Harry’s laugh was jolly, hearty, and heartwarming.
A decorated and respected firefighter, Harry began his career with the Fire Department of New York in 1973 at age 22. Starting at Ladder 103 in Brooklyn, he later moved to Ladder 175, where he earned four Certificates of Merit and an award presented by Mayor Koch in 1984. In 1997, Harry moved to the newly re-established Squad 18, a unit of elite firefighters trained to handle everything from weapons of mass destruction to swift water rescue. Viewed as a mentor and an elder statesman by many younger firefighters, Harry was respected for his wealth of knowledge, skills, and talents.
Harry was survived by his wife, Esther Davis; his four children, Lakala, Kosiko, Emiko, and Jonathan (Valpresious); one grandchild, Jonathan Jr.; his siblings; and a host of dear relations.
On the morning of 9/11, he left his shift earlier and was on his way home, he then heard about the attacks on the twin towers and headed straight back to fight and help.. rest in peace soldier.
– rena