Arnold Raymond Davis, Jr.

Arnold Raymond Davis, Jr. 83, of Sioux City, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2007 at a local hospital. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 3, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Floyd E. Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

On March 25, 1924, the journey we call life began for Arnold R. Davis, Jr. He was born to Arnold R. Davis, Sr. and Olivia S. (Street) Davis in Jefferson City, Missouri.

His formative years were spent in Sioux City as he was a student at Hobson Elementary and Central High School.

After the conclusion of World War II, he came home and married his long time sweetheart, the former Florence Jane Taylor.

An avid sports fan, Arnold enjoyed boxing, baseball and football. He played for the Sioux City Ghosts, a black baseball team whose accolades and history are enshrined in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. His favorite professional ball club was the New York Yankees, but his passion was watching old westerns.

Arnolds finest accomplishment was the day he received the Lord and Savior into his life. He was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for 70 years.

Working for the church he held many positions as the churchs groundskeeper and attaining the position of Chairman of the Board of Deacons, a position he held for 32 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 61 years, Florence Jane; his daughters, Saundra Kay, of Sioux City; Arnetta Francine and husband Orvis of Highland, CA; and Naomi Michelle of Sioux City; His mother Olivia Bolton of Sioux City; two brothers, Joseph Davis of Los Angeles, CA; and Russell Davis of Las Vegas, NV;, nine grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 9 great, great grandchildren, and former son-in-law Richard Hayes.

Arnold was preceded in death by his father, his sister, Leona, his brother, William, and his son, Brett.

The life he led leaves a rich legacy and he will be missed by all.

Lovingly submitted, The Family.