Philip Nathaniel Davis, 90

BRIDGEVILLE - Philip Nathaniel Davis of Bridgeville, son of the late James Arthur and Henrietta Davis, was born in Kilmarnock, St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, West Indies, on June 18, 1917. He departed this life on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at the age of 90, at the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford.

Philip received his formal education in the Kilmarnock Moravian Public School in Jamaica, West Indies.

He resided in Jamaica until 1946, when he arrived in the United States. Upon his arrival in the U.S., he lived in the Belltown and Lewes area, where he worked for Charles Mills until 1948.

In 1948, Philip relocated to Bridgeville, where his work experience spanned from T.S. Smith in Bridgeville to civilian employment at the Dover Air Force Base to part time work at the Bridgeville Post Office. He then completed his work career in the custodial service with the Woodbridge and Seaford school districts, where he retired in 1983.

He was one of the founding members of the West Indians Club, as well as an associate member of the Sussex County Chapter of Delaware State University Alumni. He was also very involved in the civic development and improvement of the town of Bridgeville.

Philip"s most treasured association was the Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, where he was known as "The Father of the Church" because of his 60 years of continuous involvement. Even in his later days, there were few, if any, activities he did not have some involvement in.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his late wife of 17 years, Viano Davis.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 35 years, Esselee M. Davis; a son, Carlton H. Parker Jr. (Jane); a daughter Carla L. Benson; a foster son, Edward Joyner; his grandchildren, Darius Benson (Genel) and Courtney Parker; the extended family of his late wife, to include grandchildren and their families; and his family members from Jamaica, including nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, located both in Jamaica and the United States.

A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, 28 Church St., Bridgeville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, Bridgeville, where friends may also call one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Union Church cemetery, Bridgeville.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.