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Arthur A.'s obituary

Arthur A. Davis, Jr., affectionately known as “Art” or “Butch,” was born on March 24, 1949, the son of the late Arthur Andrew Davis Sr. and Emma Selina Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Wendy Delores Spencer Davis; his children Ahngelique Annula, A. Spencer, Sarah Jill (daughter in luv), and the late Ariel Alyce-Leslie; his grandchildren Amiti-Rose Noel, Xavier Spencer, and Micaiah Valor; his siblings are Ronald Willard Davis (wife Diane), Renee Sharon Clark (husband Sam), Stephen Bruce Davis and wife Paula, Susan Lynn Fletcher (husband Ronald) and a sister in luv Andrea C. Spencer; his nephews/nieces Rahshanna Kali (husband Quian), Ronald Willard Jr., Larisa Marie, Anton Demetrius, Ashari Dawn (husband Antwan), Danielle Sarafina, Shavonne Celeste, Taj Scott, and Genevieve Sharp (cousin); along a host of other family, prayer warriors and friends.

A native of Camden, New Jersey, Art spent his early years there moving to Deptford Township , before moving. Art is a 1968 graduate of Deptford Township High School, where he was a triple sport athlete, earning nine varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. He entered Virginia State University in 1968 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia State in 1972.

A superb collegiate athlete, he played varsity football at his alma mater. He won All-NAIA (District 29, tackle – 1970-71) and All-CIAA (honorable Mention, 1971) honors. Art was a member of the First Annual Senior Black All-Star Football Classic in the Houston Astrodome in 1971. The Associated Press selected him for its All-Star, All Small Colleges and Universities Team in 1972. He was also named to the Pittsburgh Courier All-American Team in 1972. In 1972, he was a free agent for the Pittsburgh Steelers. For his outstanding athletic achievements, Art was inducted into the All-Star sports Hall of Fame at Virginia State University in 1991.

After graduating from Virginia State University, Art received a Master of Education Degree from Temple University in 1975. His thesis was entitled, "Selected Factors to Related Injuries in an electronic Industrial Installation,” which was published. He was a candidate for the Doctor of Education Degree in Hospital and Health Care Administration at Temple University for which he finished ABD.

Above and beyond his administrative responsibilities, Art took special pride in working with students. He served as the “unofficial” counselor, mentor, spiritual leader, and role model for many students. His work with student organizations, including the Student Senate, Unified Black Students Society of Richard Stockton University fraternities and sororities, and Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment, is widely known and highly valued. Art is known and admired by students, faculty, and staff for his compassion and his commitment to “getting things done.” In 1987, Art received the Stockton State College Managerial Merit Award for outstanding service to the College. In 1991, he was cited by the Board of Trustees for the work with the Middle States Evaluation Team as Richard Stockton University received full unconditional accreditation by Middle States Association.

His community and civic involvement was extensive. He ministered and advised others through what he called the "barbershop ministry" at Clippers Barbershop in Lawnside, NJ. He formerly served as a member of the board of the multi-million dollar Community Development Corporation; Citizens of Tioga-Nicetown and Tioga-Nicetown Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia. Art was a member of the District Council of Boy Scouts of America, Art worked with the Men’s ministry of Wiley Mission and was a part of the Christmas tree project. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he served as Polemach for two years and was the Secretary of Kappa Alpha Psi Guide Right Foundation Scholarship Program. Art also served a on the Zion Baptist Church Board of Deacons, his ministries included the Baptist Youth Fellowship training unit,(BYFTU,) Zion Overseas outreach ministry (Zoom) . He also served as Chair of the Health and Welfare Fund of the F.V. Evans PTA in Marlton, New Jersey.

In 1985 he was a loan executive for the United Way of Atlantic County and has aided the agency in achieving the highest fundraising results in the history of Atlantic County. In 1984 he was cited as one of the “outstanding Young Men of America” by Outstanding Young Men of America, Incorporated. In 2001 and 2003 he received the United Way of Atlantic County Superstar Award for NJ State Employees Charitable Campaign. In addition, he received the United Way of Atlantic County 2004 Leadership Award. He has served on the Spring Benefit Scholarship Committee of the Richard Stockton College Foundation for fifteen years; raising the highest amount in the college’s history.

In 1998 he received the “Third Annual City News 100 Most Influential Award” presented by the City News Publication to recognize the 100 most influential New Jerseyans that have had an impact on the states many initiatives. Art received his recognition for his leadership in economic development.

Art was appointed by the Atlantic County Executive to the Atlantic County Economic Advisory Commission for two successive terms. His appointment has produced enormous expansion in the counties vast economic and business sectors.

Art was the President of the Atlantic Health Initiatives, Inc. He participated at the board of Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital, and was member of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, Art was an active member and officer of the council of Black Faculty and Staff of Richard Stockton University for many years. He served three terms as the President and his service was marked by high member participation, expanded programming, and stronger ties with the Unified Black Students Society and the College community. In 1993, Art received a Merit Award at The Council of Black Faculty and Staff Twelfth Annual Awards Dinner and Dance for his outstanding leadership at the college. In addition to that Art received the lifetime achievement award from the Richard Stockton University Black Council Of Faculty and Staff in 2017.

Art was a member of several national professional associations. He serves as the Southern New Jersey Coordinator for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. In addition, he is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the American Management Association, and the National Association of Auxiliary Services.

Art’s spiritual journey was influenced by Reverend Charles Dawson of the Jericho Gospel mission,. Pastor William J.King of Living Word Bible Fellowship, spiritual and medical advisor. Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, Reverend Gus Roman, a dear brother and friend Reverend Michael Major of Zion Baptist church of Philadelpha. Pastor J. Douglas Gilmore and Pastor Thomas Beard of Wiley Mission in Marlton,N.J.

Art’s Favorite saying was something he derived from his beloved mother; “Don't quit! “

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My prayers go out to the Davis family after hearing the news of Mr. Art Davis' passing. I met Art and Wendy when I join…
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Arthur A. Davis, Jr.