William "Kenny" McKinley Davis

Wiliam Mckinley (Kenny) Davis was the ninth child born to Beverly and Maude Davis. His three brothers, one stillborn, Beverly Jr. (June), Harold (Hack) and eight sisters Dorothy, Janey, Cora, Missoura, Reanette, Jeanette, Martha and Helen all preceded him in death. Having been raised in a strong Christian home, he gave life to the Lord at nine years old, at the family's home church, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Nathalie, VA, under the leadership of Rev B. D Trayhum. Kenny was educated in Halifax County, VA Public School system and graduated from Mary McCloud Bethune High School in 1961, where he played varsity football. After graduating, he moved to Baltimore and worked as a pattern cutter for an upholstery company for two years. He then went to work at Kennicott Copper Refinery Company for 16 years. Then on July 6,1963 he married a childhood family friend and school mate, the late Martha Sharon Britton. When relocating to Baltimore, he joined Bethal Baptist Church which merged, with First Emmanual Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev James S. Wise. Kenny has remained a faithful dedicated member, under the leadership of Rev. Eugine Belcher and has served on the Trustee Board, a member of the Male Chorus and the Culinary Ministry. In 1975, Kenny married a longtime friend, the late Margret Anne Tucker. He then changed to a career more suited for his great people-person personality and salesmanship. He joined the Western Southern Insurance Company family for 35 years until his retirement. In that strong Christian home, singing Gospel music was always a constant in the Davis family. Because of their enormous musical gifts and talents, the three brothers June, Kenny, and Harold were led to form "The Dynamic Melodyaires" in 1964, which launched his nearly 62-year career as an enormously successful gospel recording artist. Later the group's name was changed to Kenny Davis and The Melodyaires, because at that time, there were three other major groups, with the name Melodyaires. Nationally known their notoriety provided them with guest appearances in concerts featuring such Gospel greats as James Cleveland, Evangelist Shirley Caesar, The Might Clouds of Joy, The Gospel Keynotes, Willie Banks, The Swanee Quintet, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Jackson Southernaires, The Williams Brothers and many, many more. Kenny's integrity, professionalism, business savvy, and sincere ministry, was the perfect example for those answering the call of the Lord, to spread the Gospel through song and helped to launch the careers of Micheal Cook of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Keith "Wonder Boy" Johnson & The Spiritual Voices, and Damen Little & Nu Beginning, and inspired many more. On June 10, 2006, Kenny married Amelia Pearson, the loving, dedicated and fiercely protective woman, who has truly been right here by his side encouraging, and supporting him as God carried his musical ministry to new heights. He had many great hits down through the years, "Set Me Free", "Place Beyond The Son", "Peace In The Valley" "Glory To His Name", "Everything Is Beautiful" "I'm Your Child" And Make Myself At Home" and the last and greatest of his hits, "Stay With Me Jesus" Kenny and wife Amelia founded and created "Melia Records". The Melodyaires, Sherman Womack & Pure Believers, and others are under their label. Kenny was always inspiring, mentoring, and training young new artists in spreading the Gospel through song. Though suffering from serious health issues the past few years, with his loving wife there to support and care for him, though sometimes weak in the body and that melodious voice softened, he continued to walk in his call to spreading the Gospel through song as long as he could. And as he came to know the end was near, he kept telling and singing his heartfelt personal testimony "I STILL HAVE A PRAISE INSIDE OF ME" Three of his sons, Garwin, Keith and Corey proceeded him in death. Kenny leaves to honor and cherish his legacy and memory, wife, Amelia Davis; son, Eugene Barksdale; daughter, Barbara Wilkerson (Russell); grand-sons Brandon, Andrel, Terrell, Warren and Zion; grand-daughters Jenifer, Danielle, Kaiya and Brea; great-grandsons, Ethan and Mecca; great-granddaughters Skyler, Jaila, Eden and Sabali; sister, Nannie Jackson (Carl); brothers-in-law Hugh Acree and Charles West Sr., and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, The Melodyaires, and his many, many loyal fans and co-laborers in the Gospel of Song.

Tributes

William "Kenny" McKinley Davis

April 12, 1943 - July 15, 2026