Mr. Clarence A. Davis "Tony"

Adams announces the passing of Mr. Clarence A. Davis "Tony", 82, who transitioned on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Memorial Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at St. Benedict The Moor Catholic Church- 441 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401.

Public viewing will be held from 4 PM - 6 PM, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in The Adams Chapel followed by a visitation with the family from 6 PM - 7 PM in The Adams Chapel.

Interment: The Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Benedict The Moor Catholic Church Building Fund- 441 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401 in memory of Mr. Clarence Davis.

OBITUARY:

Clarence “Tony” Davis was born in Harlem, New York on November 29, 1941. He was an only child to his parents, Clarence H. Davis and Addie Davis (née Johnson). He thought of his cousin, Michael Daves, as a brother and loved him as such. He spoke fondly of his childhood in Harlem and often marveled at the changes that occurred there over the years.

After graduating from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He enjoyed his six years in the corp and was grateful for all he learned but decided that college was the place for him.

He won a basketball scholarship and enrolled in college at Long Island University, where he earned a degree in accounting and later became a Certified Public Accountant.

In 1965 he met his future bride, Ann Sanders, whom he married in 1967. Their son Todd was born in 1970 and soon after they bought their first home in Westbury, New York where they raised their son and made many wonderful friends. At the time of his passing, he and Ann had been married 56 years and he still referred to her as his bride. Todd and his wife Tracy blessed them with two granddaughters, Peyton and Addison, who brought him boundless joy.

He excelled in his career becoming one of the first African Americans to become a partner in a major accounting firm, Oppenheim, Appel and Dixon. Wanting to explore other possibilities he resigned from his firm and opened his own consulting firm, Clarence Davis Enterprises. During this period he was instrumental in running a very diverse array of businesses including television studios and sod farms. He was a consultant to the American Red Cross during the period immediately following 911. Tony was appointed to the New York State Board of Public Accountancy and to the Governing Council of the American Institute of Certified Accounts. Later, he joined the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, from which he retired as Chief Operations Officer. He never completely retired,  however, but continued to consult and sit on a number of boards.

In 2005 he and Ann moved to Savannah,GA, where they were immediately embraced by the Lester Johnson family, his cousins, who quickly made them feel at home. Lifelong Catholics they became members of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. He willingly shared his time and talent at the church working on various committees. Tony was also appointed to the Parish Council for the Diocese of Savannah. He was very passionate about volunteering, during his son’s youth he was the head coach for St. Brigid’s CYO Track and Field Team. He was also the Cub Scout Pack leader and Boy Scout Troop leader.As a Savannah resident he sat on the boards for the West Broad St. YMCA and Greenbriar’s Children Center. He was affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, One Hundred Black Men and the Savannah Guardsmen.

Throughout his life he mentored, advised and encouraged anyone who sought his counsel. He was especially close to nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins. He was a good friend, conscientious worker and consummate professional. He was respected and admired for these reasons and many more. Tony will be remembered and missed.