Obituaries

Kevin Earl Davis

April 8, 1964 - April 13, 2025

Kevin Earl Davis

Born April 8, 1964 – Passed April 13, 2025

Kevin Earl Davis, 61, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on Palm Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, and unwavering love. A devoted husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend, Kevin lived a life guided by faith, fueled by compassion, and marked by determination.

Kevin was the kind of man who built more than homes—he built hope. Whether serving abroad on mission trips or helping those in need at home, Kevin was a pillar of service. He led a life dedicated to bringing shelter, food, and clean water to those in underprivileged countries and within our community. Each year, he and close friends cooked through the night to ensure the patrons of Lighthouse Ministries had a hot meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas. And this was just one of many ways he met needs in the community—again and again.

Kevin was a talented chef who owned his own catering business, and he also worked for Publix and AOC. He was a life member of Ardella Baptist Church, where his faith and service found a home. He was also an active member of the Elks Lodge, the Lion’s Club, an honorary member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP),  and many other charitable organizations, always lending his time and talents.

He was also a proud football coach, mentoring countless young athletes throughout the years. His coaching journey spanned many teams. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a coach for the George Jenkins High School football team, where he helped shape not only players, but young men.

To his family, he was a fierce protector and a steady provider. The man behind the grill, the coach not only on the sidelines, but in life. The loudest cheerleader and the strongest supporter. His presence and guidance anchored and shaped the lives of those who looked up to him. As the years passed, his sacrifices became the steppingstones that lifted his children higher, giving them a life he fought hard to make possible.

Born and raised in the heart of Polk County—Kathleen-proud, “Wild-man 66,” Copenhagen-dippin’, ranch-handlin’, grill masterin’, country boy to the bone— Kevin leaves behind a legacy as big as the heart he carried.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Earline Hash, and his father-in-law, Loren Cloud.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Beverly Davis; daughter Kristen[Brent]; son Levi[Caroline]; and his grandchildren, Lennon and Skylar. He is also survived by his siblings Bambie [Brian] and Johnny [Mary]; mother-in-law, Loyce Cloud; and nieces and nephews Amber, Brooke, Dalton, Jarrod, and great-niece Ashtin.

Following Kevin’s passing on Palm Sunday we celebrate Holy Week, where we are reminded of the parable told by Jesus—the call to live a life of faithful service. After a life marked by hard work, humility, and unshakable faith, we can only imagine the gates of Heaven opening, the angels singing “Hosanna and Hallelujah”, and the Lord smiling as He welcomed him home with the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Celebration of Life

Date: Friday, May 2nd
Time: 2:00 PM Location: Ardella Baptist Church
709 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813

A reception will immediately follow at:
Polk County FOP Lodge
125 W Brannen Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813