Johnny Darnell Davis was born on February 11, 1963, to Johnny Reed Davis Sr. and Diana Kathleen (Bailey) Davis. He attended Coleman, Bryant, and Wing Luke Elementary Schools; South Shore Middle School; Garfield High School; and Renton Technical College. Johnny dedicated 35 years of his life as a head line cook at Denny’s Corporation in Burien, Washington, retiring in 2016.
Johnny Darnell was fluent in both Japanese and Spanish. Highly competitive, he loved to challenge others and thrived in a variety of activities, including drawing, music, singing, rapping, dancing, spelling bees, dominoes, and chess. A self-taught musician, he played several instruments and wrote his own lyrics. Johnny enjoyed bench pressing, cooking, and feeding his family and friends. He had an impressive appetite that never affected his weight. Chess was by far his greatest passion, and he often shared his knowledge and strategies with those around him.
Johnny Darnell had a way of charming the ladies with his famous line, “The Devastating Johnny D!” He embodied resilience and joy, leaving a lasting impression on his family and friends. His cheerful spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Johnny Darnell was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Johnny R. Davis Sr. (Jowilly) and Diana K. (Bailey) Davis; his sister, De’John Denee’ Davis (Shawnie Boo); grandparents Mamie (Thompson) Bailey, Essie Mae (Berry) Davis, and McClinton Davis; his niece, Renisha Denee’ (Davis) Rhodes; and his great-nephew, Larenzo Rhodes Jr.
Johnny Darnell is survived by his great-aunt, Mildred Hall, and aunt, Joe Ann Moore; sisters De’Vonda Davis, Cutie Burns, and Theresa Ticeson; brothers Johnny R. (JD) Davis Jr. (Misty) and Ernie R. Davis Sr.; nieces Tamika (Burns) Tucker (Tyrone Tucker Sr.), Katryce Burns, Latasha Burns, Brianna Burns, Johnnicka Davis, Al’she Lowe, Ernika Davis, Vada Woods, Alexis Pritchard-Davis, MingLee Davis, and Tiene Davis; nephews Zachary Cooper, Percy Lowe (Marcy), Ernie Davis Jr., Ervonte Davis, Javion Davis, and Johnny R. Davis III; great-nieces Ty’Meisha Tucker, Myah Lowe, and Eliana Davis; great-nephews Ty’Zure Tucker, Tyrone Tucker Jr., Ty’Reece Tucker, Khalil Lowe, Ernie R. Davis III, Corte’veus Sandifer, and Ocean Davis; one great-great-nephew, Ty’Von Tucker; and a host of cousins and friends.
