Mr. Mark Elvin Davis, 67, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on Wednesday, September 5, 1956. Preceding him in death were his father, Elvin Lois Davis, and mother, Evelyn Mae Burks Myers.
He is survived by his sons, Robert Wayne King and Joshua McDonald; daughters, Tiffany (Jeremy) Nichols and Samantha Jensen; brother, Larry Myers; grandchildren, Max Nichols, Jackson Jensen, and Finley Jensen; and special friends, Sam Lopiccolo, Russell Hollandsworth, and Ceola Sowder.
In search of work and a good wage, Elvin moved his family out to Michigan and took a position with Ford Motor Company. It was in Ypsilanti, Michigan that he and Evelyn brought their baby boy, Mark, into the world. Evelyn quickly imbued her sense of familial devotion in Mark, and he eagerly followed in his mother’s footsteps. His nature mimicked hers in being polite, kind, and soft-spoken, but he was a fierce advocate for family.
Moving back to be closer to Evelyn’s family in Cannon County, Mark let some of that fierceness show by becoming a drummer in the Central High School Band. He also let a little of his father show when they would head out to Dayton on a family trip. They usually rented a Honda motorcycle and would ride around, but once Mark got a hold of a Harley he was smitten. It was a hobby that would remain with him the rest of his life, but at that time, he was just focused on having fun and being with his family.
It wasn’t all fun and games though for the Davis family. Elvin and Evelyn both instilled a solid work ethic in Mark and expected him to know when to work and when to play. Graduating with the Class of 1974, Mark knew it was time to work. Though he preferred to stay close to home, his parents’ hard work and his own
qualities landed him a job at International Clinical Laboratories in Nashville as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
Mark had a passion for science, and his mind worked in wonderful ways. He found enjoyment in working on stereo equipment. His investment in technological projects and attention to detail developed the skills needed to be a good Medical Lab Tech. However, what made him a successful one really came down to his raising. Mark knew how to work in a team, be reliable, stay consistent, and communicate effectively.
In fact, visiting and talking to people became something Mark cherished in his life. He never met a stranger, but that had a lot more to do with his listening abilities than his speaking. He took note of people and remembered the little things. Evelyn had shown him how to be there and serve others selflessly through the mundane, and Mark excelled in that category. It was that servant’s heart and humble spirit that led him to lay everything down and be baptized during a Gospel Meeting at Woodbury Church of Christ.
Evelyn was pleased to know the man that her baby boy was growing up to be, and Mark continued following in his mother’s footsteps. Leaving International Clinical Laboratories, Mark went to work at Good Samaritan Hospital, where his mom had finished her career. He felt that she was a dignified lady, and his goal was to represent how well she taught him to be a worker, a friend, a neighbor, and a citizen.
It may seem like Mark ended up being a whole lot of Evelyn, but Elvin had his fair share of influence, especially when it came to hobbies. Elvin sparked Mark’s interest in classic cars and getting dirty out in the shop. Though Elvin worked at Ford, Mark found his niche to be ’55 to ’57 Chevy vehicles. Mark had a ’55 Chevrolet Nomad for many years, and remember that Harley? Mark remained an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast all of his life, and he loved riding out to Normandy Lake or just going for a cruise.
When Mark retired, he decided to get more into those hobbies but in a little different capacity. He did quite a bit of buying, selling, and trading vintage car parts, and he also threw stereo equipment back into the mix. However, through it all, Mark remained devoted to his family. His dedication in taking care of his mother when she was sick showed his respect, devotion, and gratitude. There were many years that she was his utmost priority until her passing in 2016.
After that, Mark’s own health began to fail, and he reaped the benefits of knowing how to be a friend and a neighbor all those years. Family can be by blood, but it can also be by choice. God richly blessed Mark with the people He placed in his life. His family and friends returned that same respect, devotion, and gratitude caring for him over the years until God called him home.
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 3 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Herb Alsup will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden.
Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story