In 2019, after the Rev. Lawrence A. Davies was honored as one of seven “Strong Men and Women in Virginia History,” then-Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw presented him with a proclamation.
As Greenlaw bestowed the recognition on Davies, she dubbed him the city’s “Mayor for Life.”
Davies’ physical life of service and commitment to Fredericksburg ended Sunday night when he died at the age of 94. But those he inspired to continue his life’s work said his legacy will be felt in the city for generations to come.
Davies was an elected official in Fredericksburg for 30 years. He served as the city’s first Black councilman from 1966-76, and then as the first Black mayor from 1976-96.
The Houston native also served as the pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) for 50 years until he retired in 2012.
City officials released a statement acknowledging Davies’ death “with profound sadness and deep respect,” calling him a “cherished” and “beloved” member of the community who dedicated the majority of his life to serving others “with unwavering faith, compassion and generosity.”
“HIs presence was felt and his leadership continued to make our city a better place to live,” Greenlaw said in a statement from the city. “He was admired and respected across the Commonwealth of Virginia. His ability to understand the needs of the community and build consensus on important decisions is legend. His steady hand and personal integrity brought the city through times of significant change and growth.”
Davies spent three decades revitalizing Fredericksburg with efforts to create low-income housing and was also instrumental in establishing an affordable bus system. The Lawrence A. Davies Transit Center currently houses the city’s bus fleet, known as FXBGO!
Davies was an advocate for mental health and wellness in the community as well.
“Mayor Davies was a true trailblazer for our city,” Mayor Kerry Devine said. “As we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he has made … May the memory of his remarkable life and the values he upheld continue to guide and uplift us.”
Davies and his wife, Janice, arrived in Fredericksburg in 1962 when he was appointed the pastor of Shiloh (Old Site).
The 1949 graduate of Prairie View A&M University was also an Army veteran. His career in the military was the impetus for his service to the faith community. After his discharge, he went on to earn a divinity degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a master’s in sacred theology from Wesley Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1956 and initially served at Good Samaritan Church in D.C.
“He was a regional pastor,” said the Rev. Hashmel Turner, who served as a city councilman in Fredericksburg and worked alongside Davies in the faith community. “He was invited all over to do revivals. He will definitely be missed. He was recognized in our area as the senior clergyman.”
Fredericksburg blues singer and activist Gaye Adegbalola said Davies was her pastor from the time he arrived in the city. She said he never changed from a “man of faith and a “man of integrity.” She said his actions were always “Christ-like” and she was grateful to have him as a church and community leader. She said Davies was unlike many clergymen who live extravagantly.
“We’re talking about a man who drove a raggedy car until the wheels almost fell off,” Adegbalola said.
Adegbalola said her mother, Gladys Todd, served as Davies’ campaign manager when he was first elected mayor. She said when he defeated the incumbent by a handful of votes in 1976, it was a signal to people in the city that their votes did matter.
“That came from people working together,” she said. “He had that ability to work with both Black and white communities … He would do the work. A lot of leaders don’t want to do the dirty work, but he would get in the trenches.”
Davies and Todd worked together for Citizens United for Action. Adegbalola noted Davies also was instrumental in helping teachers moving to the area find housing, and that his good deeds continued during his run as mayor.
“He was a great mayor,” Adegbalola said. “You don’t get reelected again and again and again without being really good at the job.”
Turner said Davies was “an exemplary man” and an “exemplary leader” who officiated his wedding and inspired his dedication to community service.
Rev. Aaron Dobynes, who succeeded Davis as the pastor of Shiloh (Old Site) noted that Davies was also a civil rights’ pioneer in the city as he helped prevent the Black community in Fredericksburg from a violent uprising after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Dobynes said Davies was a “rare jewel.”
“He was always trying to make the community better, and for that we are most grateful,” Dobynes said. “He was a good person, a good pastor, a good family man and a good member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. His legacy will live on for years to come. His legacy will be an inspiration, especially for young Blacks to say, ‘If he could do it, I can, too.’”
During his time as pastor, Davies helped develop an outreach ministry for those in need and affordable health clinics.
Davies and his wife Janice, who died earlier this year, helped found the Fredericksburg Sickle Cell Association in 1972 in honor of their daughter, Lauren, who was diagnosed with the condition at 7 months old. Lauren Davies died in 1993 at age 36, outliving doctors’ prognosis by 16 years. The Sickle Cell Chapters of Virginia elected the couple to their Hall of Fame in 1999.
“There is an African proverb that says a person never dies until you stop calling their name,” Dobynes said. “His name will be called for years to come. The deeds he performed for the good of the church and for the good of the city will be known all of our lives.”
The Germanna Community College Educational Foundation honored Davies with the first Community Member of the Year award several years ago. He was also honored in 2016 by Leadership Fredericksburg for his “integrity and vision.”
Funeral arrangements for Davies are incomplete. Dobynes said whoever preaches the eulogy will not have a difficult assignment.
“He lived a life whereby, he eulogized himself,” Dobynes said.
