Mr. Thomas Allen “Tom” Davis Sr., 66, husband of Cherron Fletcher Davis, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at his home in New Church.
Born on Nov. 22, 1958, in Salisbury, Md., he was the son of the late Willie “Billy” A. Davis Jr. and Audrey Grace Miller Davis. Tom was a successful Eastern Shore farmer throughout his life, passing his love of the land down to the next generations. He was one of the founding members of the Virginia Harness Horse Association and remained active on the board. One of his proudest positions was on the negotiating committee for the development of Colonial Downs to ensure harness racing in the state of Virginia. Tom was the driving force behind the Maryland Horse Auction and the Eastern Select Sale, showcasing some of the greatest racing talent in the mid-Atlantic region.
An avid Disney fan, Tom planned many trips for his entire family and “adopted” family members. He always made sure that each person’s experience was special and unique. Those trips didn’t stop with Disney. He and Cherron often secured the most hard-to-get tickets to all the most popular concerts and escorted their grandchildren near and far.
Tom was well known throughout the Eastern Shore for his amazing support of youth sports. There was absolutely nowhere he would rather be than on a field or court cheering on kids. He and Cherron followed their children throughout their school and collegiate careers, never missing a game, and were continuing the tradition, supporting each grandchild in every endeavor. He was the biggest supporter and cheerleader of not only his own family, but all Eastern Shore children. He quickly became “Pop” to many kids. His family had been extended and multiplied by the dozens from relationships that grew out of a little round ball, whether it be a baseball, a softball, a volleyball, a football, a basketball, or a soccer ball. One of Tom’s proudest achievements was being the defensive coordinator for the 2000 Virginia State Champion football team at Broadwater Academy, along with two state runner- up teams. His coaching antics will live on through the stories of all of his players for many years.
Above all, Tom was the true definition of a devoted family man. His world was made whole each Sunday evening as he and Cherron hosted a houseful of children, grandchildren, friends, family, and anyone else who happened to show up hungry at 6 p.m. If you were lucky, Tom had baked a special cake for the occasion.
Other than his beloved wife, Cherron, Tom is survived by his children, Elaine Davis McNure and husband, Moe, of New Church, Elizabeth Davis Powell and husband, Ryan, of Onancock, and Thomas Allen “Tommy” Davis Jr. and wife, Meredith, of New Church; his siblings, Patricia Davis, of New Church, Beth Sharpley and husband, John, of New Church, and Willie Alton “Bill” Davis III and wife, Connie, of New Church; his grandchildren, Taylor McNure Watson (Brad), Payton Elizabeth McNure, Harley Davis McNure, Madison Grace Powell, Ella Mae Powell, Audrey Edith Davis, Thomas Allen “Ty” Davis III, Colby Stephen Davis, and Willie Foster Davis; his beloved nieces and nephews, Ashley, Benjamin, Cordie Lee, Katie, Jonathan, Sarah, and their families; and his adopted family, Jeremy Harrissmith and Lauren Tanis.
Everyone was invited to attend the graveside service on Thursday, March 13, at 5 p.m. at the Davis Family Cemetery, 2479 Tulls Millpond Road, New Church, VA 23415, with Pastor Bruce Bowden officiating. The family invited all to gather for a special time of fellowship following the service, just as they do each Sunday evening.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Central Accomack Little League, P.O. Box 486, Onancock, VA 23417, c/o Billy Justice, or Holly Grove Grandparents Association, 19169 Lands End Drive, Parksley, VA 23421, c/o Betsy Miles.
Arrangements were by the Thornton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Parksley.
