Richard Davis

Richard Byron Davis was born on February 27, 1944 to Purnell Davis and Mary Stewart in Chester, South Carolina. The family lived in Evanston, Illinois until Richard was in middle school when they moved to central Los Angeles before settling in San Pedro, California when he was in his early teens. While at San Pedro High School, he was a captain of the track team. To this day, his record still stands as a member of the 4x220 relay team. He attended Harbor College and later California State Long Beach on a full track scholarship where he received his Bachelors degree and his MBA. He remained a lifetime member of California State Long Beach Alumni Organization (CSLBAO).

Professionally, Richard worked as an accountant in the aerospace market, with tenure at Northrop Grumman and later with Rockwell International. Later in life, he found a love for teaching and taught adult school computer science in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

All who knew Richard were blessed to know that he was a giver, a loyal friend and a good man with a stern heart. As an avid bike rider, he rode for fitness. Any given weekend, Richard could be found with a group of his good friends and fellow cyclists riding around Palos Verdes Hill. Several evenings were spent listening to his Ham Radio and he was a dedicated member of the National Association for Amateur Radio. Constantly seeking ways to educate himself and others of the accomplishments of the people in African diaspora, he was one of the first lifetime members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the San Pedro, Wilmington, Palos Verdes Peninsula Branch.

On weekends you would often find Richard playing the drums and playing chess. As an accomplished chess player, he played over the board and correspondence chess competitively. He once played the reigning Canadian Chess Champion to a draw. He was even offered to start a chess club to help the youth at his daughter’s school in Maryland.

In recent years, Richard’s relationship with God was displayed more evidently in his daily walk, at church, and in the community.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Janice Ewing Davis of Los Angeles County, CA; his three children son Jomo( Tinika) of South Orange, NJ; two daughters Adanna of Trenton, NJ; Tolibah of Gaithersburg, MD, three granddaughters; Amina, Nola and Leanna of South Orange, NJ. Three brothers, William T. Davis of Long Beach, CA; Purnell G. Davis of Oakland, CA and Mitchell G. Davis of Davis, CA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and good friends.

On behalf of the Davis Family we like to ask that you contribute to this academic scholarship in lieu of flowers or any other love offering. The Richard B. Davis Scholarship on behalf of San Pedro, Wilmington and Palos Verdes Peninsula NAACP. Janice and Richard are proud lifelong members of this branch.
Below is the link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=W2r9rMEGPZQVFGXXem6GEvmd8MPzxX-MbaoyyTdb0MIC0Dl9JIW9_1H8pdVPhBmNVqbrcEw0HzFcD8qf
(Dr. Bryant Foundation)