Obituary of Paul Franklin Davis

Paul Franklin Davis, 70, of Niles, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly October 23, 2018, at Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Paul was the next-to-youngest child of the late Elisha and Nann Davis in a family of seven boys and seven girls.

Paul was formerly employed by Kawneer Corporation and Marriott Hotels and retired from the University of Notre Dame Security Police Department in 2010 after 27 years of service. He continued to work as an on-call officer until 2016. He loved sports and muscle cars, rock and roll music, and was an avid fan of NASCAR and NHRA racing and Notre Dame and high school football. During his younger years, he was active in coaching Eastside Elementary basketball and FOP baseball in Niles.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas E. Davis, Isaac E. Davis, and Milmon M. Davis and three sisters, Evelyn C. Fleming, Florence Shepard, and Mary Doty.

Paul is survived by his wife, best friend, and soulmate of 41 years, Nancy; sons, Christopher Davis of Niles, Nicholas Davis of Niles, and Geoffrey Davis of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughters, Amy Powell of Indianapolis, Indiana and Shannon Johnson of Sarasota, Florida; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Joseph S. (Linda) Davis, Walter W. (Chris) Davis and Nuri (Starita) John Davis; four sisters, Dora Bessie Webb, Lillian E. Austin, Nancy J. Smitherman, and Debra C. Davis as well as a multitude of extended family.

Paul’s family would like to give a shout-out to his friends from the Niles Class of 1966 for all the good times and support they have given him over these many years. Special thanks go to the staff and doctors of the ER and ninth floor of Memorial Hospital for their professionalism and care, and to the many doctors who have cared for Paul over the years helping him to live a full and productive life.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held.  Friends are invited to visit Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Monday, October 29th to celebrate a life well lived and loved with Paul’s family and friends.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Paul’s name may do so to one of the following charities that were very close to Paul: The Salvation Army at 424 North 15^th Street, Niles, Michigan or to Southern Poverty Law Center at 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.