Dwight Davis was born November 26, 1956 in Bismarck, North Dakota to the late Bill and Marlys Davis. He was affectionately called “Double-D” or “Pastor D” throughout his life. He departed to be with the Lord Jesus on May 7, 2024. He finished the race with faithfulness, having shared the hope inside of him with great love and impact on others. We’re confident Dwight has heard the words, “well done”, from his loving Father.
VERY EARLY YEARS
Dwight Davis grew up in Regan, Bismarck, and Valley City, North Dakota; he often told many entertaining stories about these areas and was proud of his small-town values, referring to them as “prairie-billy values”, or, homespun hospitality and neighborliness. Regan, ND had a profound impact on Dwight’s life and being a “Regan Comet” basketball player meant a lot. His family remembers his childhood stick horse, singing voice, and penchant for his mom’s mashed potatoes. A cherished memory is Dwight insisted his children and grandchildren visit Regan and we have been there many times to appreciate his childhood.
While attending Valley City High School, Dwight met, fell in love, and married Judy Anne Wright. Dwight was the new kid in town. They met at 15, fell in love, got married on October 5th following their senior year, and adjusted life goals to include a growing family.
EARLY YEARS
After High School, Dwight enlisted in the US Navy to provide a future for his family. Dwight didn’t hesitate when he saw the best path forward, and seized the opportunity to learn computer programming from the Navy. A blessing from God interrupted their lives, Joel Davis, was born during March 1975, in the San Diego Naval Hospital, bringing more joy and purpose to their family. Dwight was very patriotic and also open to adventure. He proudly served during the Vietnam War, visited many Pacific countries, and was aboard several naval ships.
He earned his GI Bill and upon his Honorable Discharge, was accepted into the University of North Dakota (UND), home of the Fighting Sioux Hockey Team, whom he loved and was proud of (name has changed since). Dwight had many fond memories of hockey games with his younger brother, Jeff Davis, who also attended UND. Dwight often worked multiple jobs during college and his sons have very good memories of visiting him at his employers. Another blessing entered their lives on November 5th, 1978, when their youngest son, Patrick was born.
POST-COLLEGE
Dwight earned his Finance degree and landed work immediately. He had a progressive career of escalating responsibility and promotion that took him across the U.S. He excelled in every role he was given and quickly moved up the ladder of several fortune 500 companies, his last employer was Johnson Controls Inc., as Director of IT. He was also a successful entrepreneur owning an IT consulting service and video compression company. As a businessman, Dwight traveled all over the world with his wife, Judy. They had many European adventures and made many great memories abroad. At the height of his business success, Dwight attended a home missions conference and while praying, felt a strong call from God to pursue a life ministering to others. He and Judy discussed, wrestled, prayed and made up their minds to serve God by serving others in a Pastoral role.
PASTOR YEARS
In April 2000, Dwight & Judy started a church in Delavan, WI through the direction of the LORD. Miraculously, God supplied and they built a thriving body of believers called the “The Rock of Jesus Church”. Dwight always stood up for the marginalized and strived to see people’s potential with Christ. Often, he’d request without warning, “Judy, would you make a bigger dinner?”, as a hungry family needed to be fed. Often, he’d provide groceries, money, vehicles, and whatever he had on hand to make an immediate difference in someone’s life. Dwight’s goal of being a successful business man was soon superseded by being rich in good works towards others. Countless people have encountered the unexpected generosity of Jesus through Dwight. This was the legacy we are proudest of.
Dwight and Judy pastored for 10 wonderful years in Delavan, WI. They taught innumerable Bible Studies, baptized countless people into Jesus, and laid hands and witnessed hundreds receive the gift of God’s Spirit. Dwight also wrote and published a book, “3 ½ Years”. As Dwight’s health declined and his mobility decreased, he poured his ministerial efforts into his neighborhood, online videos, and launched a local small church called The Summit. He and Judy spent every day together during this season, watching sports, going for scenic drives, having long talks, and enjoying each other’s company.
We will miss Reverend Dwight Davis, or, “Pastor D”. He was incredibly devoted to his beloved wife, Judy Davis. He was a loving father to Joel and Patrick and enjoyed spending every moment he could with his grandchildren. Dwight will be missed by many family members, friends, and lives he touched.
Philippians 1:21 “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
My dad will be missed. He was a friend, mentor, pastor, and encourager to many. He lived a life of high character, measuring success through good works and lives positively impacted. He was passionate and always ready to connect someone to Jesus. He stood up for the weak and marginalized. He ministered to many by imitating Christ’s selfless and irrespective love. He spoke life into many people’s dreams, motivating them, “Why not you? Go for it!” My dad had a very soft heart and a strong bias for action. He spent his last days with his friends, family, and beloved wife by his side. He will be missed and we are grateful that he is with the Lord and we will get to see him again.
Dwight Davis was a very passionate man for the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a true friend; a straight shooter. I preached revivals for him during his decade of pastoring in Delavan, WI. I found him to be bold, brilliant, compassionate, creative and humble all in one package. He was a great encouragement. Even in his failing health and eyesight he found a way to touch people. In that time, he ministered over the internet to gatherings of souls as far as Pakistan as well as touched people on his morning walks, even wheelchair rides to the lake shore in Sheboygan. Further, undaunted by his health, he launched a church as well. He will be greatly missed by many! Our condolences are to Judy, his devoted and dear wife and also to his family. May the Lord Jesus strengthen you in your loss.
Dear Judy, Ann & I will be praying for you in this huge change. I considered Dwight a close friend in my last year at VCHS. I recall praying together. So encouraging! Absent from the body - present with the Lord. This is our hope.
Dwight was a great friend. I am saddened by his passing, and yet happy he is with the Lord Jesus. I have many fond memories. Once he and I co-taught a session at an executive leadership conference at the University of Wisconsin Madisonville. Our audience was CEO’s and top executives. We were voted the favorite session. I spoke at his church a few times. He loved people. He will be missed. May God bless Judy and the family. He loved his family.
Dear Judy and family. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and well wishes. The great life that you and Dwight shared with each other is a beautiful example of living life the fullest.
God Bless. you and your family Judy..
Duane
Dear Judy - I am so sorry to learn of Dwight’s passing. It was inspiring and heartwarming to read of the wonderful lives you guys lead after our days of growing up together in Valley City. Clearly you both have made a huge difference in the lives of so many, and Dwight will obviously be missed very much by family and friends far and wide.. Take good care of yourself, my friend. Glenn
Judy, I am so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. What a life the two of you have had. So many life experiences that the Lord used when you were called into the ministry. Good & faithful servants. May you feel God’s loving arms holding you.
Judy & family, Our sympathy to you as we hear of Dwight’s passing. What a special & beautiful obituary to read of his life. Hold close all your favorite memories of him. May you sense the comforting presence of God as you grieve. So good to know you will see him again. Sincerely, Gwen
With a heavy heart, I write this, bidding farewell to a soul so cherished. Your departure leaves a void impossible to fill. You were not just a friend but a warrior of prayer, a guiding Shepherd, a prophet of wisdom, and a compassionate counselor. Your ear was always open, and your words were always comforting. Rest well, dear friend. Your legacy of love and guidance will forever endure.
With deepest sympathy,
Pastor Abraham and Janie Loya.
He spoke into the lives of many leaving an indelible mark in this world. His faith, his daring, his passion and caring are something that will never be undone. We applaud you and recognize the hand of the Master. We honor you for a race well run. - Your Church Family
My dad loved watching and playing basketball. We lived during the Jordan era. My brother and I spent countless hours playing basketball in the driveway with our dad when he got home from work. We also watched a lot of basketball together.
It was only recently that I met Rev. Dwight Davis, but it only took one meeting to discover his unwavering commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. I soon saw his physical sight fail him but his spiritual vision was crystal clear. His physical strength diminished, but his faith remained strong. The short time I had with him both encouraged me and challenged me to walk closer to the Lord. He leaves an excellent epitaph and lays hold of a great reward.
I was saddened to hear the passing of Bro. Davis. My husband enjoyed fellowshipping with them in years past. He has
now finished his race. I pray for the Great Comforter to be with his family as they grieve.
What a beautiful legacy! We were blessed to know him for only a short time, but during that time he has made an impact on our lives as a powerful man of God. May the LORD comfort you and give you 🕊️
I didn't get to know your dad Patrick but your loving kindness I'm sure comes from him. I'm happy for him I grieve for you and your family I know you will continue to honor him as you live for God and do his will.
God blessing and your family
So thankful to have met Dwight. God did so many great things through him. Keeping you in my prayers.
