William Earl “Jeff” Davis was born October 19, 1956 to the late William Dan Davis and Thomasina Jackson Davis.

He attended the public schools of Richland County in South Carolina, graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1975.

William, affectionately known as “Jeff” in the working world, was employed for Napa as a machinist for many years as well as NeoParts in the same capacity. From there, he was employed with Dick Dyer Toyota.

William was a gentle giant but made a very loud statement in the drag racing arena. His ability to build his own race cars made him a force to be reckoned with in drag racing, as evidenced throughout the state of South Carolina.

William was predeceased by his wife, Angela, to whom he was married for 16 years, and his only daughter, Shanta L. Mills.

Those left to cherish his fond memories are: his brothers, Nathaniel and Carl Davis, and a sister, Catherine (Dane) Davis-James; his godsons, Charles H. Mills and Shawn D. Simpson; nephews: Nathaniel Davis, Jr., Matthew Thomas Davis, Quinton Davis, Carltrell Davis and Trevian Hipp; nieces: Taniel Davis, Vanessa Davis, Courtney Davis, Jayda Davis, Kalista Davis, Daveena Hipp, Elesia Conway and Brianna Davis; aunts: Alberta Boyd, Elizabeth Griffin, Thelma (Melvin) Chappell and Suzanne Jackson; uncles, Willie (Essie Mae) Jackson and Bishop A.D. Davis; a special childhood friend, Tony Spry; his “play sisters:” Yolanda F. Martin, Jacqueline Ferguson and “Mom” Evelyn Ferguson; and other loving relatives, friends and co-workers, all of whom will miss him dearly.