Obituary of Comodore Davis Jr.

On October 18, 1941, Comodore Davis Jr. began his life’s journey.   He was born to the late Commodore Davis, Sr. and Mamie Alexander Smith in Houston, Texas. Comodore and his mother moved to Port Arthur, Texas where he grew up.  Comodore graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959.

During Comodore’s early years, he became a self-trained guitarist and actively participated in an R&B band that played at many venues throughout Jefferson County.  He was also skilled in playing the keyboard.  He was a excellent dancer and his siblings loved to see him command the dance floor with his smooth moves.  He enjoyed listening to and singing music, which was his passion.  Another love of Comodore was his skillfulness at shooting pool.  There were very few instances where he didn’t win at this sport.

Comodore made a decision to serve his country and joined the Navy.   After his honorable discharge from the military service, he was the 1st African American to work as an Air Traffic Controller in Kansas City, Missouri. Comodore met his wife, Annie Naylor, and they married in 1965 and to this union two children were born, Comodore III and Angela. He then moved to Indianapolis and later retired. He later met Valerie Pollard in 1983 and shared his love and dedication throughout the years.  

Comodore was a natural counselor, continually sharing words of wisdom through his hours-long conversations.  Family was first in Comodore’s life. He loved family reunions and gatherings of all kinds.  He would often brag about the love his parents instilled in all of his siblings and the beauty of growing up with them.  He frequently thanked his higher power for the foundation laid by his parents to always put family first in everything you do.

Comodore’s life touched many. He had a big personality that filled whatever room he was in.  He had a generous heart for helping others in need, whether he knew them or not.  He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, eloquent speeches, pouring into the lives of others, always giving advice.  To know him was to love him.  

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Almighty God dispatched an angel to carry Comodore to his eternal resting place.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Commodore Davis Sr. and Mamie Alexander Smith, stepfather Willie Smith; his beloved companion Valerie Pollard, his brother Robert Earl Lee, his sisters Freddie Mae Parker, Sandra King and Gwendolyn Normand, his nephews, Willie Clifton Wilson, Gregory Lee, Je rey Lee, nieces Roslyn “Boo” Charles and Gwendolynn Charles.      

Commodore leaves to cherish his beautiful memories; four children, Angela Davis Pickett, (Rodney) of Kansas City Missouri; Comodore Davis III of Indianapolis, Ind; Jenna Gilbert of Atlanta, Ga; and Tiffany Thompson of Indianapolis, Ind.  Also cherishing his memory is mother of his two oldest children, Annie Davis; Seven grandchildren, Ashley Davis, Alexis Kimber (Keith), Comodore Davis IV, Aerial, Aaron, Antwan and Anthony Thompson; two great-children, Azlynn Mulmore and Ryilan Newsom; five sisters, Dorothy Wilson and Beatrice Lee of Port Arthur, TX;  Linda “Maia” Shelby; Brenda Dyer (Jimmy); Willetta Barkers all from Houston, Tx; his faithful friends, Creston Byers, Mike Bailey and Sharon Walker; and, a host of nieces and nephews; cousins and other relatives and friends.