For people like Shelby County Commissioner Corley Ellis and Rep. Mike Hill, memories of Davis and his drugstore––currently run by his son, Jim Davis, and grandson Treadwell Davis––are even more treasured now.

“I remember as a kid going to his store and getting sandwiches and milkshakes,” Ellis said. “I’ve got so many fond memories in and around Davis Drug.”

Ellis said the loss of “strong” people like Jimmy Davis in the community worries him.

“They’re just irreplaceable,” Ellis said. “Jimmy Davis was obviously a strong pillar in our community and has been so for a long, long time. He’s just been a fine man.”

Jimmy was born on March 20, 1928, to Mamie and Dr. Julius Madison (Pops) Davis.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1942 and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity before graduating from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1952 with a degree in pharmacy.

He and his wife of 65 years, Anne Klein Davis, married and moved to Anniston, where he worked for a drug store, prior to opening Davis Drug in Columbiana.

Hill said Jimmy was a smart businessman, always running a “tight ship.”

“I’ve known him all my life,” Hill said of Jimmy. “He was always pleasant. He’d stop and help you anytime, anywhere … just a special, special man. I love him so much.”

Jimmy served as president of the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association, president of the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, received the Bowl of Hygeia Award, was a member of the Auburn University School of Pharmacy Advisory Council, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Auburn University School of Pharmacy, and was a member of Auburn University 1856 Society, Columbiana Kiwanis Club and Jaycees.

In addition to his business, Jimmy served his community in other capacities. He was a longtime member of Columbiana United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions and was a member of the Luther Fowler Bible class.

“He loved his fellow brothers in the class,” Carolyn said. “They were a shining star to him throughout his time with them and his last days. They were truly a blessing to Daddy and to our family.”

Carolyn said the family has loved and cherished stories friends and people in the community have shared about Davis that he would never share himself.

“He was always doing things for people in a quiet, private humble way that no one ever knew unless the person he had done it for told about it,” Carolyn said. “Daddy supported and loved his community. Never wanting attention, recognition or the spotlight. He did things for Columbiana because he wanted to and because it was right.”

“He was always part of the community,” Hill said. “He supported everything that went on in Columbiana and loved the community.”

Jimmy was a leader in the booster club that helped build the first real football stadium at Shelby County High School, Hill said.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Anne Klein Davis; children, Jim Davis (Lisa), Glenn Davis and Carolyn Stricklin (Les); grandchildren, Lauren (Ricky) Ruston, Treadwell Davis, Graham Davis, Rachel Stricklin, Michael Stricklin (Sarah); and great-grandchildren, Davis Ruston and Griffin Ruston.

Services for Jimmy Davis were held March 5 at 11 a.m. at Columbiana United Methodist Church. Internment was held at Pine Lawn Gardens in Columbiana. Bolton Funeral Home directed.

Ellis said he and his wife will miss the “small things” from Jimmy, such as a simple wave if he rode by their house and saw them working in the yard.

“We love him dearly, and he will be sorely missed,” Ellis said.

Andy Brown with Brown Lumber and Building Supply in Columbiana said his father and Jimmy were good friends.

“He was just a friendly, outgoing, well-liked individual,” Brown said. “Hardworking … He was a good businessman.”

One of Jimmy’s beloved hobbies was fishing, Carolyn said. He enjoyed “cutting up” and “joking around” with people.

Carolyn relished going to the drugstore at night with him after it had closed to fill a prescription or catch up on other work.

“He would put me on the hand trucks and run as fast as he could up and down the aisles of the store,” she wrote. “It was better than any carnival ride at the Shelby County Fair.”

Carolyn noted Jimmy’s love for his “boys,” his grandchildren and his wife, the “apple of his eye.”

Jimmy was one of the first people Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley met when he started his eye care practice in Columbiana 36 years ago.

“He loved the city, supported the city and he performed many, many selfless acts for our city and our citizens,” Handley said. “When Columbiana had a want or a need, he was always there. He served this community with integrity for many years, and he will be sorely missed by Columbiana.”