SPRINGDALE — Michael “Mike” Gardner Davis,

86, of Springdale, Ark., passed away on January 6, 2024, after suffering multiple strokes and years of dementia. Mike was born in Memphis, Tenn., on March 11, 1937, to Charles and Marie Davis.

After graduating from Frayser High School, he served in the U.S. Army, and then studied English Literature at Baylor University. He later received a master’s degree from Southern Baptist Seminary and a doctorate from Union Theological Seminary.

He met his wife Henrietta in high school, and they married in 1962. Mike and Henrietta went on to have two boys, Michael and Mark.

Mike was ordained a minister and pastored churches in Waco, Texas, Elizabethtown, Ky., Dresden, Tenn., and Fayetteville, Tenn., then served as a chaplain at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., for twelve years.

A gifted writer, he spent his retirement writing articles for professional publications.

Mike was predeceased by his father, Charles Davis, his mother, Marie Davis, and his son, Mark Davis.

He is survived by his wife, Henrietta Davis, his son, Michael Brent Davis, his twin brother, Mallory “Pat” Davis, and younger brother, Charles Davis III, as well as many loyal friends and extended family members.

Mike will always be remembered for his quick smile and firm handshake, both of which he retained even at the worst of his illness. He was a man who could talk to anyone from any walk of life as if they were old friends.

He was a dedicated servant of God who spent time in prayer and study every day. For those in his flock, he was with them at baptism, wedding, sickness, and death.

Mike was laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn.

A memorial service will be held at Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove, Memphis, Tenn., at 1 p.m., on Monday, February 5, 2024.