Nelson "Doc" Davis, Jr. of Crawfordsville was called to be with his heavenly father Sunday morning at Franciscan East in Lafayette.  He was 79.

Doc loved listening to music.  He liked to entertain, be the life of the party and was the barbeque king.  He worked at CEL&P for 15 years.  He graduated from Schlarman High School in Danville, Illinois and attended Iowa State, where he played basketball.  He later served his country in the U.S. Army.

Born Feb. 28, 1941 in Danville, Illinois, he was the son of Nelson Davis, Sr. and Marie Thurman Davis.  He married Marva Burdett on Oct. 2, 1992 in Crawfordsville.  She survives.

Surviving family includes: wife, Marva Davis of Crawfordsville; daughters, Carmen Davis of Noblesville, Kim (Charles) Kidd of Fishers, Develynne Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, Tina Davis of Indianapolis; son, Chris (Kristine) Davis of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughters, Letha Rhymes of Lancaster, California, Karla Young of Danville, Illinois; son, Jason (Lakeshia) Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Raven Davis of Crawfordsville; three brothers, Clarence (Jean) Davis of Jackson, Michigan, Philip (Claire) Davis of Danville, Illinois, Richard (Tammy) Davis of Danville; four sisters, Rita Davis of Atlanta, Georgia, Shirley Lee of Danville, Illinois, Crystal Hayes of Champaign, Illinois, Carol Denniger of Indianapolis, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Patrick Davis, David Davis, Todd Davis, two sons, one daughter and one grandson.

Public visitation will be at Burkhart Funeral Home, Crawfordsville, from 1 to 3 PM Thursday, May 21.  Private family services will begin at 3, led by Pastor Kenneth Wilson with military rites by American Legion Post 72.  Private burial at Danville National Cemetery will be held in Danville, Illinois.

Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.