[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 154 (Tuesday, October 8, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1019-E1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF PASTOR CHARLES DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2024

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to honor the life of Superintendent Charles Davis of College Hill 
Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Pastor Davis was a pillar in the Tampa 
Bay community and beloved by all who knew him or had the opportunity to 
join him in prayer. He leaves behind a legacy of servant leadership 
that should inspire neighbors across the Tampa Bay area for decades to 
come.
  Charles Davis was born in St. Petersburg, FL as the ninth of ten 
children to Willie and Dorothea Davis. The family moved to Tampa in 
1949. Pastor Davis graduated from H.W. Blake High School in 1959 and 
from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1963 with a 
Bachelor of Science in Education. Superintendent Davis met Deloris 
Longworth, and they were married in December 1966. He embarked on a 
career of public service, education and as a faith leader.
  The Church of God in Christ has been a part of the Tampa community 
for over 100 years. From the years of 1964 to 1997, COGIC was pastored 
by Bishop W.E. Davis, Superintendent Charles Davis's father. At age 
twenty-five, Charles decided to dedicate himself to God and lead a life 
as a leader in the church. In 1997, the membership requested that Elder 
Charles Davis be appointed as The Pastor of COGIC. Under the leadership 
of Superintendent Davis, COGIC has continued to thrive.
  Superintendent Davis served COGIC in almost every level of 
ordination, including Deacon and Elder. He served as Pastor, Sunday 
School teacher, chairman of the Administrative Board and Chairman of 
the Elders Council of the Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida. His 
most beloved role was serving in the youth department as Jurisdictions 
Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) President.
  Outside of COGIC, Superintendent Davis was bigger than life and very 
active in the Tampa civic community. He was the Coordinator of 
Childcare and Head Start in Hillsborough County, a Hillsborough County 
Community Action Agency Director and Martin Luther King Scholarship 
Fund Board Member, a member of the Tampa NAACP and Tampa Urban League. 
Superintendent Davis also held many special appointments, including the 
Mayor's Community Awareness Task Force, Florida Bar Grievance Committee 
and the Thirteenth Judicial and State Board Member of One Church One 
Child, appointed by the Governor.
  Pastor Davis loved his family more than anything, and is survived by 
his wife, Deloris

[[Page E1020]]

Longworth Davis, and their four daughters, Charlotte, LaTonia and her 
husband Brian, Karin and her husband Ron, and Amber and her husband 
William. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Trimonte, 
LaRon, Jordan, Charles, Avery, Ja'lyn, Jayden, Charli and six great-
grandchildren. His memory will also live on through his godchildren, 
nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the College Hill COGIC 
community.
  Pastor Davis always had a twinkle in his eye, a kind word and made 
our community more gracious. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay 
area neighbors and all Floridians, I am proud to honor Superintendent 
Charles Davis for his lifelong dedication to others, and his kind, 
loving service to all. We are eternally grateful for his immense 
contributions.

                          ____________________