Vernon Tharpe Davis of Clarksdale, Miss., died Saturday, July 9, 2022. Mr. Davis was born and raised in Nashville, where he graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt University.
After moving to Mississippi, he was employed by the local hospital as a medical technologist and later as chief medical until his retirement. He served as Deacon and Elder in the First Presbyterian Church for many years and was involved in prison ministry. Although he was born and raised in a big city in the hills of Tennessee, Vernon quickly adapted to life in a small Delta town. He learned to fish and was an avid gardener. He discovered a love for horses when his wife bought two Tennessee Walkers.
Although a Vanderbilt graduate, Vernon also enjoyed the Grove at Ole Miss, especially getting up at 2 a.m. to get a tent spot. When his wife returned to Ole Miss to complete her Master’s, Vernon was very supportive and took on the responsibilities of feeding and caring for three young children.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Theodore Wilson Davis and Edna Tharpe Davis and a brother Ted Davis Jr., all of Nashville.
He is survived by his wife Catherine; a son Kie Davis of Hernando; two daughters Kimberly Sykes of Flowood, and Kelly Davis of New Orleans; and two grandchildren Brian Sykes and Elizabeth Duggins.
Vernon was a great lover of animals. The family would appreciate that those who would like to remember him would do so by donating to the local animal shelter or the charity of their choice.
Vernon was a follower of Jesus and the family is greatly comforted that he is now in His presence. Although death is a painful and inevitable event, the family celebrates his release from the suffering and illness he experienced in the years preceding his death and that he now stands restored and that someday we will joyously join him, never to be separated again.
Visitation was 3 to 4 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2022 at Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale. A Memorial Service was held at 4 p.m., Monday, July 11, at Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale.
Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS is handling the arrangements.
