DONALD RAY DAVIS

Donnie (Lightnin’) Ray Davis was born February 7, 1949 in Nacogdoches, TX.  He was the 5th of twelve children born to Maxine Whitaker Goodspeed.

In early childhood the family relocated to San Antonio, Texas where Donnie attended Grant Elementary School, Dunbar Junior High School, and Phyllis Wheatley High School.  It was in elementary school where he first met the young lady he would later marry, Kathlean (Kat) Davis.  Their courtship started in June 1967, and to this union they proudly raised two daughters – Regina Lynette Davis (Harris) and Don’Sha LaShawn Davis (McCoy). 

  Donnie first accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age as a member of St. Luke Baptist Church.  After years of living on his own terms, he rededicated his life to Christ in 1994 and became a faithful member of Palestine Baptist Church.  He served in many different capacities including leading songs as part of the Men’s Choir.  Subsequently, on October 10, 1999 he was ordained as a Deacon by Palestine Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. L.A. Crenshaw.

Most notably, Donnie will be remembered for loving and spoiling his family, his warm and bright smile, funny sense of humor, flashy style, and undeniable charm.  His likeable personality afforded him over 30 years of success as a food service manager for USAA and later a skycap for the San Antonio International Airport.  

He leaves to cherish his memory two devoted daughters: Regina Harris and Don’Sha McCoy (Rodney); 5 grandchildren:  Devante Brandon Harris, Alexus Harris, Madison McCoy, Sydney McCoy, and Rodney Trent McCoy II; one great-grandson: Brayden Rae Harris; seven sisters:  Macie Thompson (Clifford), Wilma Odom (Sonny), Novella Harvey, Katherine Roberts, Carolyn Eddings, Geneva Gordon (Oscar), & Gayle Sweatt; three brothers: Emmette Berry, Ellison Powdrill, and Henry Powdrill.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.  

Donnie was preceded in death by his “honey” Kathlean (Kat) Davis, mother Maxine Whitaker Goodspeed, father Herbert (Buster) Davis, and one sister Marilyn Powdrill.