Reverend Cecil S. Davis Jr, 84, of Lumberton, died Monday, November 18, 2013, at Silsbee Oaks Healthcare in Silsbee.  He was born on December 23, 1928, in Newton County, to Eva Arbelle Herrin and C. S. Davis, Sr. 

On May 14, 1948, at the age of 20, Brother Davis received his Local License to minister for the United Pentecostal Church International.  He received his General License on July 27, 1949.  His Ordination was July 22, 1955.  His total years as a minister of the gospel were fifty-eight years.

During his ministerial career he served in many capacities.  He evangelized with his brother, Doug and friend, Jim Rohn, for three years. With wife, Mary, whom he married, April 19, 1953, he pioneered a church in Henderson, Texas. They pastored at Crossett, Arkansas, for eight months and Arkadelphia, Arkansas, for fifteen years.  During his years in Arkansas, he served as the District Sunday School Director and was Co-Director of the first Youth Camps at the campground at Redfield, Arkansas. 

Music was always a special part of Brother Davis’ ministry. He was known for his expertise on the steel guitar. He and his wife and the Davis Brothers were known for their beautiful singing and anointed worship in song.  Along with his brother, Doug, he began one of the first Christian recording companies, called Christian Records.  Many talented UPC artists had the opportunity to record and share their music with the world.

In the fall of 1970 Brother Davis became pastor of the Lumberton United Pentecostal Church, now Parkway Life. He served as Pastor for 31 years, where upon retirement, he was appointed to the office of Bishop.

During his 31 years as pastor, he also served as Section 2 secretary and for 33 years, Section 2 Presbyter. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America for the UPCI. He organized and developed the first Music Expo for the churches of the Texas District. 

Brother Davis enjoyed working in his community. He helped organize and was a member of the Lumberton EMS. He also volunteered his time with the Lumberton Fire Department.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Mary Davis; son, Greg Davis and his wife, Gwen; Anne Marcus of Baytown; grandchildren, Grant Davis and his wife, Sarah and Kayleigh Davis, all of Lumberton; brothers, Reverend D.D. Davis and his wife, Betty, of Levittown, New York; Eugene Davis and his wife, Nila, of Fort Worth; Reverend Jim Davis and his wife, Sandra, of Oceanside, California; and Jonathan Davis and his wife, Rosalinda, of Fort Worth. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Helen Ritter Bolenbaucher.

A gathering of Reverend Davis’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2013, at Parkway Life Church, Village Creek Parkway at Mitchell Road, Lumberton. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2013, also at the church. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Davis Family Cemetery, Kirbyville-Beulah Springs, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.