James Preston Davis

James "Preston" Davis, 76, of Poplarville, departed this life on August 1, 2026, at his home in Poplarville, MS. “Elmer” as his family called him, was one of seven children born to Emile and Bessie Dedeaux Davis on March 8, 1950. He grew up in Poplarville and was a lifelong wood hauler and logger, except for a few years when he and his first wife, Deana Ferguson, owned and operated a dairy. Preston worked hard all his life and took pride in providing for his family. He enjoyed gardening, cattle farming, hunting, family, and especially snack cakes. Preston always liked to tinker on equipment to make it "better" or "faster", which often did not end well. These last few years, Preston was known for riding his rigged-up lawn mower through the woods to meet whoever was going to "run" him to town or to the doctor. Preston will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Preston was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Bessie Davis; two brothers, Levis and Leamon Davis; and a great-granddaughter, Lynnleigh Barry. He is survived by his two children, Harry M. (Annette) Davis and Brandy L. Davis; one sister, Lindell Lee; and three brothers, Floyd, Roger Dale (Ann), and Elvis Davis. He was blessed to be "Paw Paw" to seven grandchildren, Dalton, Coley, Raelynn and Addie Davis, Sammy, Chad, and Ben (Sommer) Barry; and six great-grandchildren, Luke, Layla, Liam, Knox, Nash, and McKenna Barry. Preston will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his dog Frisky (the 2nd).

Though he did not often express it openly, Preston had placed his trust in Jesus. And was blessed to have witnessed His hand at work through many circumstances in his life.

A graveside service for Preston will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the Davis Family Cemetery, 275 Emile Davis Road, Poplarville. His son, Brother Harry Davis, will officiate the service. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Davis, Casey Davis, Austin Davis, Brandon Lee, Dalton Shaw, and Dillon Lee. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Davis family during this time, and we ask that you remember them all in your thoughts and prayers over the difficult days to come.