Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce reposted this
The Chamber is profoundly saddened by the passing of Reverend Lawrence A. Davies, who served on the Fredericksburg City Council for 10 years prior to being elected Mayor of Fredericksburg in 1976. Davies was Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) for 50 years, and he served five consecutive terms as Mayor of Fredericksburg. He is best known for his enormous heart for helping those than cannot help themselves, which he demonstrated through his service with Rappahannock Goodwill, Rappahannock United Way, Fred Transit, Germanna Community College, the area Sickle Cell Association, which he co-founded with his wife, Janice, and many others. Davies was also a visionary leader in support of economic development and the business community. He supported business expansion in the city, to include the new Mary Washington Hospital (early 1990s) and its eventual campus and the development of Central Park. The Chamber recognized Davies’s decades of community leadership at the 2000 Gala with the prestigious Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award. The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program also recognized Davies in 2016 with a Leadership Impact Award. Chamber President & CEO Susan Spears joined Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in 2001 and was baptized by Reverend Davies. Spears tells us his calm leadership example helped shape her, particularly in stressful times. When Spears later became President of the Chamber, she asked Reverend Davies to bless her office. Davies agreed, and on June 16, 2010, he gave a prayer that blessed the Chamber, its staff, leadership, members, all of their businesses, and the community. “Reverend Davies’s impact cannot be understated,” said Kevin Dillard, chair of the Chamber board of directors. “He had the courage of his convictions through times of great challenge and change in our region. He supported the business community and he supported the weakest among our population. He will be greatly missed.” (photo: Lawrence A. Davies with Susan Spears in her office on June 16, 2010)
My sincere and heartfelt love and condolences. There truly are no words for your loss. Please know my prayers are with Reverend Davies, his family, and with you. Rest in peace Reverend Davies.
Kandy Hilliard
1mo
Mayor Davies was a wonderful leader who led with wisdom and kindness. He is certainly going to be missed.
Wonderful man who was also on our Board of Trustees for Virginia Baptist Homes, our founder.