Mr. Dana J. Davis

Memphis Grizzlies VP of Basketball Operations Dana “Double D” Joe Davis, 56, a resident of Peoria, IL passed away at his home in Memphis, TN on October 3, 2012. Dana, a local Peoria basketball icon, the “JJ.” Camp Founder and a Memphis Grizzlies VP of Basketball Operations, was born to the late William “Mecie” and Shirley “Jean” (Meischner) Davis in Peoria on September 25, 1956. Dana is survived by his loving and devoted family all of Peoria; Virginia Alexander, James Watson, John Davis (Renada) Fitzgerald, Juanita Sherry Mason, Marie Taylor, Alphonso Alexander, Jr. and Jo-Ann (Manzell) Alexander-Lawson; special friends, Graylin McLeod, Bobby Humbles, Mitchell “JJ” Anderson and Wayne McClain; and a host of other relatives and friends who adored him. He is preceded in death by his parents. During his life time, Dana was afforded great career opportunities which included: Vice President of Basketball Operations Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies, Tour manager for entertainer, Bootsy Collins; in Peoria District 150 Basketball Coach at Manual High School and Football Coach at Woodruff High School, IHSA Basketball/Baseball official, Widmer Office Supply and GR Becker Companies. As a result of his dedication to and his accomplishments in giving back to his community, Dana was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Commemorative Service Award and an inductee of the Peoria African American Hall of Fame. A Manual High School graduate, he worked on the staff of head basketball coach Wayne McClain. He graduated from Bradley University in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administrations. Dana was Founder of the Mitchell “JJ” Anderson All Star Basketball Camp, member of the Bradley B Club Board of Directors, PCCEO Board Member, Peoria Tri-County Urban League Board of Directors, Peoria Boys and Girls Clubs and Board Member - Peoria County Board. Dana was also on the Board of Directors of the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN. Dana was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Peoria, IL. Memphis, TN funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 7, 2012 in the sanctuary of Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Linden) Avenue, Memphis, TN. A three hour visitation will be held the day before from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm, Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the church. Memphis, TN arrangements handled by Dignity Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Memphis, TN. A hometown celebration of life funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Bradley University Renaissance Coliseum at 1600 W. Main St., Peoria, IL 61606. A three hour visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral service. Rev. Deveraux Hubbard, Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church will officiate. Dana will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mitchell “JJ” Anderson All Star Camp or The Peoria Boys and Girls Clubs at Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc. (PCCEO) c/o McFarland A. Bragg, II, 711 W. McBean St., Peoria, IL 61605, (309)671-3911. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the simonsmortuary.com website.

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Mr. Dana J. Davis

September 25, 1956 - October 3, 2012