Obituary of Donald Allen Davis

Donald Allen Davis, age 82, of LaBelle, passed away March 22, 2018 in Lehigh Acres. He was born in Fountain, FL, on May 25, 1935 to the late Theodore Roosevelt and the late Susie Mozelle (Melvin) Davis. Don was raised in Panama City, FL and graduated from Bay High School Class of 1955. He joined the United States Army and proudly served his country as a Corporal in the late 1950's. He moved to LaBelle in 1964 and started one of his many businesses and also started serving the local community in civic organizations such as LaBelle Jaycees as President and was one of the founding fathers of Swamp Cabbage Festival. He served as President of the Greater Chamber of Commerce. He raised the money himself to build the Chamber of Commerce building which still stands today and was voted Man of the Year in 1992 for his efforts. He also served in the Lions Club and The Rotary Club. He served as County Commissioner for Hendry County for 14 years in the 1970's and 1980's and more recently was elected to serve from 2012-2016. He started and sold many businesses through his more than 50 years in LaBelle and still owned Don's Steakhouse and Big V Restaurant. Don was instrumental in the growth of the community that he loved so much. He helped establish the Davis Pratt Park with fellow county commissioner Don Pratt. He was an avid golfer and played in numerous tournaments across the country. He loved to sing and did it anywhere he could find a stage…from Tootsies in Nashville to his own stage in the lounge at the steakhouse. He thought everyone should work hard and he did all 82 years of his life. He won numerous awards through the years, too many to be displayed in any one place…most of them are just leaned against each other on the floor. He was still a humble man and loved God. He helped many people that none of us will ever know about. He gave generously of his time and money without request of a receipt. According to Don "the man upstairs knows about my giving and he is the only one that counts". Don or Big V as most people called him is survived by his children: Ricky Thibodeaux, Patsy Bostick (Doug), Teri Gail Armstrong (Stacy), Paula Sue Hall, Kimberly Perkins (Chad) all of LaBelle, sister Carolyn Davis of Panama City, 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, companion Shirley Dooley and the mother of his children Iris Davis as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends. He was predeceased in death by his parents, brothers: Carl E. Davis and Daniel Wayne Davis and sister: Peggy Ann Davis and nephew Ward Facer. Big V will certainly be missed by all who knew him. He gave freely of his advice and you always knew where you stood with him. Until we see you again. Funeral services will be held March 27, 2018 at 12:00 pm at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church, LaBelle with Pastor Preston Long officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church. Entombment will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.