Mr. Roderick Vernon Davis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Roderick Vernon Davis was born in New York City on September 26,1963, the third of four children to John Edward Davis, Sr. and Leothia Harrington Davis. Roderick was named after his grandfather, Roderick Davis, who was a great man of faith and wisdom. From a young age, Roderick battled asthma and was often hospitalized, but that didn’t hinder him from being a great artist, loving Tonka trucks, and being an exceptional Lego builder. As family recalls, he loved to comb his hair just like his father--straight back and neat! He was such a charmer and developed his signature smirk and infectious smile. Roderick was always persistent and even begged his mother for a big “Radio Flyer” red wagon until she gave in! Roderick’s persistence and convincing personality would follow him into adulthood! At an early age, Roderick was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and attended Full Gospel COGIC in Queens, NY with his siblings under the leadership of the late Bishop Jerome Norman. Growing up in the church laid the groundwork of Roderick’s love for Jesus and people! At the age of 9, following the untimely death of his father, Roderick’s mother moved the entire family back to her home state of (Durham) North Carolina. The typical adolescent boy, Roderick loved to run and play with his siblings Adolphus, Ivory and John, Jr. and his neighboring cousins Portia, Caressa and Cherry, whom he loved so dearly! Always outside, his favorite games to play were touch football, kick ball and “roll to the bat”! He also loved riding his bike and bowling! In 1982, Roderick graduated from Hillside High School in Durham and matriculated to Durham Technical Community College. Passionate and skilled in mechanics, Roderick always pursued jobs fixing automobiles. He even obtained his CDL license to pursue a childhood dream of long-distance truck driving. In the late 1980’s, following the birth of his oldest daughter, Roderick moved to Middletown, OH. He settled in Cincinnati, OH in the 1990’s. Roderick was a loving father and doting grandfather! He beamed with pride teaching his granddaughter how to ride a bike and also bragged about his first grandson! Roderick recommitted his life to Christ and specialized in outreach ministry to those who were incarcerated and homeless. It was Roderick’s desire to open a church and strong outreach ministry, and in 2019, he founded Ark Ministries with his younger brother John. With all Roderick encountered and experienced, he always had great faith to endure. He often quoted his favorite scripture Philippians 4:13 “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” He leaves this legacy of faith to his daughters: Jasmine Davis of Middletown, OH and Victoria Higgins of Cincinnati, OH; stepdaughter: Iesha Bullock of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Kamdyn Miles of Middletown, OH and Omari Ford of Cincinnati, OH; siblings: Adolphus Caviness of Durham NC, Ivory Thompkins (Leonard) of Norristown, PA and John Edward Davis, Jr. of Cincinnati, OH; special companion: Lisa Ward of Cincinnati, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Roderick was preceded in death by his father and mother. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Roderick Vernon Davis has been scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. In every effort to protect our families and their guests, face coverings are required and seating will be limited.

Mr. Roderick Vernon Davis

September 26, 1963 - August 20, 2021