Rev. Roosevelt Davis

Rev. Roosevelt Davis, age 88, of Danville, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL, surrounded by family and friends.

Rev. Davis was born on November 23, 1936, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to Willie Mae Outlaw and Sylvester Clark.

He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. He remained faithful to his calling throughout his life and was a devoted member of Second Church of Christ in Danville, IL. 

He served honorably in the United States Army. After completing his military service, he accepted his call to the ministry. Rev. Davis was faithful to God until his final breath.

From his first marriage, he was blessed with two children: Cassie and Kenneth. His daughter Cassie lovingly cared for her father with unwavering devotion. His son Kenneth preceded him in death.

Later in life, Rev. Davis married his soulmate, Gladys Davis. Through this union, he was blessed with a bonus son, Terry Moore. Together, Rev. Davis and Gladys spent many joyful years traveling and participating in the work of the church. They attended events including the Wood River Baptist District Association, the Baptist General State Convention, and numerous other church conferences. As Gladys’s health declined, Rev. Davis became her devoted caregiver, selflessly dedicating himself to her needs. It was his life’s mission to ensure that she received the best possible care.

Throughout the years, Rev. Davis played a vital role in several churches across Danville and the Chicago land area. Known for his commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, he ministered wherever he went and never met a stranger. He extended kindness and support to everyone he encountered.

He often shared the story of how he rode a bus overnight with fellow students from Fayetteville University to attend the historic March on Washington on August 28, 1963, where he witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. A true community activist, Rev. Davis, worked tirelessly to advance minority representation in local government. In 1987, he was one of seven plaintiffs in a federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit that successfully changed the City of Danville’s form of government from Commission Form of government to Aldermanic Form of government. The city became divided into seven wards with two aldermen representing each ward. 

Rev. Davis later worked for the City of Danville, first in Parks and Recreation, later retiring as a City Inspector. On April 9, 2013, he was elected Alderman for Ward 3, faithfully serving two terms.

Rev. Davis leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Gladys Davis; daughter, Cassie (Lester) Davis; bonus son Terry Moore; sisters, Evangelist Sylvia Robinson and Valeria Clark; brothers, Sylvester Clark Jr., Tommy Clark, and Tyrone Davis; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He shared a close bond with his special cousin, Bishop Chester L. McLaurin. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Kenneth; and brothers, Robert, Leroy, Eddie Lee, and Maurice Davis.

A celebration of life will commence at 3:00 pm Saturday July 12, 2025 at Second Church of Christ 3350 E. Voorhees St. Danville. Eulogist: Pastor Greg Taylor. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm until the time of service. Interment: Danville National Cemetery on Monday July 14, 2025 at 11:00 am. 

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