Barry Wade Davis

Barry Wade Davis transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, June 7, 2021.  He was born on February 12, 1953 to Hiawatha Onega Davis Sr. and Bethenia Davis. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, educator, friend, and Christian.

Mr. Davis grew up in Progress Village in Tampa Florida as the fifth of seven children to one of the first families to move to that area.  He was raised by his parents Hiawatha Onega Davis Sr. and Bethenia Davis who preceded him in death.

His parents instilled in him, along with his brothers and sisters, a strong work ethic and faith in the Lord.  Barry graduated from Brandon High School in 1970, He then attended Bethune Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.  He continued his education, and later earned a master’s degree in education at the University of South Florida. He served as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal with Hillsborough County Schools for 35 years.   Upon retiring from Hillsborough Schools as Principal at Ben Hill Middle School, he continued with his strong work ethic and helpful spirit as a member of the Board of Directors at Brooks Academy (now Brooks DeBartollo High  School).

He was preceded in death by: his beloved father, Hiawatha Davis; mother, Bethenia Davis; sister, Jaqueline Creal; and brothers-in-law, Willie Shaw and Patrick Creal.

He leaves behind:  siblings, Hiawatha Davis Jr., Jerry Davis (Phyllis), Letitia Shaw, Deloris Hilliard (Michael) and George Davis. 

He will be missed by his beloved nieces and nephews: Valeria Myers and family, Antionette Stallworth (Bruce) and family,  Novik Myers, and family, Kevin Myers, Benjamin Shaw and family, Nicole Shaw (Ronnie Davis) and family, Lashanki Shaw,  Carla Gainer (Tallie III) and family, Dimond Hilliard, D’Armond Davis, Hakeim Davis and Family, Shawn Shaw, Shanti Davis Kennedy (Cedric) and family , Ayana Davis and family, Dana Hilliard and family, Nakisha Davis and family, Patrice Creal Kennedy (Romier) and family, Shannon Creal, Tyrone Creal, Dominque Magwood (Jermaine) and family, Shanice Flaskamp (Adam), Shawn Collins (Hiram) and family, Shawntae Creal, Sherrod Shaw, Mary Escalante (Ricky), and family, and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

He also leaves behind very devoted and special friends:  Barbara Davis, Barbara Harris, Sheldon McCree, Shaun Eure, Michael Coleman, Cheryl Gibbons, Dewayne Gibbons, Gregory Riley, and Michael Riley.

There will be no funeral services.  His family will later release his ashes in a private ceremony. To honor and celebrate Barry’s life, the family asks that donations to the cancer research charity of your choice be made in his name.

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