Jesse Lewis Davis Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2026, at the age of 76.

Jesse was born May 31, 1950, in Anniston, Alabama, to Jesse Lewis Davis Sr. and Catherine Davis. He graduated from Cobb High School in 1968 and went on to study at Alabama A&M University, Allan Hancock College, Chapman College, and California Lutheran University. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served six years on active duty and two in the reserves. His assignments included Vandenberg Air Force Base, where he worked in missile maintenance.

Jesse joined Cabrillo High School in the late 1970s and remained there through the 2006-07 school year. As a special education teacher, he gave his students patience, high expectations, and the confidence to believe in themselves. He was equally devoted to his athletes, coaching football, cross country, girls basketball, and boys and girls track and field. His boys' track teams won 15 league championships, including 13 in a row, and five CIF Southern Section titles; his girls' team won the CIF Southern Section title in 1986. He coached approximately 40 individual CIF champions. He also served as Athletic Director at Lompoc High School and traveled to China for an international sports exchange. His honors included California State Senate resolutions, the Vandenberg Crystal Apple Award for teaching, and induction into the Cabrillo Hall of Fame.

Those who knew Jesse remember how he demanded effort while making every young person feel that someone believed in them. Generations of students and athletes carried his lessons of discipline, perseverance, and confidence with them for life.

Above all, Jesse treasured his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Nona Brown, and together they raised four children: Corlon "Butch" Davis, Terrance Davis (Sharelle), Eliot Davis (Janice), and Lei Andrea Banks (Adrian). The blessing of his grandchildren was a source of great pride and joy.

The loss of his son Terrance marked a profound chapter in the Davis family's story. Yet the values Jesse spent his life teaching, including strength, perseverance, family, service, and compassion, continue through those closest to him.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Nona Brown Davis; his sons, Corlon "Butch" Davis and Eliot Davis (Janice); his daughter, Lei Andrea Banks (Adrian); his daughter-in-love, Michele; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; godchildren Michael Blow Jr. and Brandon Brown; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse Lewis Davis Sr. and Catherine Davis; his brother, Douglas (Doug) Davis; his sister, Joanne Goodman; and his son, Terrance Davis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at True Vine Baptist Church, 533 Avalon Street, Suite A, Lompoc, California 93436. All are welcome.