Damien Carl Davis, 34, passed away tragically on July 24, 2024, and was ushered into his eternal life thereafter. Damien was born in Vallejo, California on September 4, 1989 to myself, Theresa Porter and Demetrius Davis, who preceded him in passing.
Damien was raised in Fairfield, California. He attended B. Gale Wilson Middle School and Rodriguez High School, graduating in the class of 2007. Damien was an intelligent, bright, admired student amongst his peers and teachers throughout school. He played baseball and basketball during his youth, with the latter sport being his love, a sport that he would be great at and continued to play throughout his adulthood and until his passing. He enjoyed playing on the court at Shenandoah Park in American Canyon the best. Damien enjoyed football, and was a faithful fan of the Chargers since his early years.
Damien began attending Solano Community College during the summer semester of his sophomore year in high school. He took classes in computer science, which eventually became his major. He later took a break from his education goals to work, with just a few classes remaining to obtain an Associate Degree, something that he would always see as a possibility in his future.
Damien went on to work for various companies in the area, including FedEx, Pearson’s Appliances, Amazon, FoodMaxx, and Foster Lumber. No matter where Damien made his presence, he made no one a stranger. His kindness, positivity, professionalism, work ethic, sense of humor, genuine smile, and infectious laughter made those around him witness the light within, which created a comfortable space for those blessed to know him.
Damien was a deep thinker and a writer/lyricist who loved various genres of music. This included a love for R&B from the 90s; Damien could dance with the best of them. Being a certified “sneaker-head” early in life allowed Damien to use that love for Jordans, teamed with his entrepreneurial abilities, to find, resell, and refurbish sought-after items during his “thrifting,” a lucrative hustle that he enjoyed.
A self-professed “foodie,” which he got from his parents, Damien had a passion and excitement for good food, along with an appetite a mile long. He loved Mexican food and knew his way around a kitchen. He loved making various dishes, including Fettuccini Alfredo paired with salmon, one of his specialties.
Damien had a soul filled with compassion for others, which he regularly demonstrated through his giving nature, prayer ability, and uplifting spirit for those less fortunate. It would be in October 2017, with the birth of his son Levi (whom he affectionately referred to as “my Dude”), that he would be blessed to experience the love that the journey of fatherhood holds. Despite this journey being cut short, Damien was able to impart a deep love to his son that will forever remain until they meet again.
In 2021, Damien became afflicted with a condition called retro-torticollis, which affects the muscles in the neck. Despite various treatments and often debilitating pain, Damien persevered through his condition, which made it difficult to work, drive, play basketball, and, most importantly, play with his son. Still, he fought through the pain to do these things despite the discomfort. During this difficult season in my son’s life, his true character would be revealed through this adversity, which did not diminish his ability to care for others and smile through the rough times.
It pleases me to say that Damien was one of the rare few healed of this condition. It was beautiful to see my loving son be able to walk upright again before he left this Earth. This was truly a mother’s fervent prayers answered.
Damien definitely made an impact in his part of the world, and he is loved and missed dearly. He leaves behind a love, impact, and memories that will remain. Damien is survived by his son and legacy, Levi D. Davis, mother Theresa Porter, sister Shamari Davis, brothers Demetrius Davis Jr. and David Davis, stepmother Collette Morgan-Davis and sisters Shay and Atiya, maternal grandmother Margaret Porter, and paternal grandparents Gloria Rufus and Carl Lee Davis. His maternal grandfather, Frank Porter, preceded his passing. Damien also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were part of his journey.
A celebration of life was held in Damien’s honor on what would have been his 35th birthday, September 4, 2024. He was celebrated at his home church, Liberty Church in Fairfield, where he was baptized in his youth and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The celebration was blessed to be presided over by Damien’s former youth pastor, Pastor Kareem Hickman. The celebration embodied Damien; it was casual, warm, peaceful, and down-to-earth. I was blessed to share and highlight my son’s journey, as Damien would say, “straight from the dome” (and heart), followed by beautiful expressions by many who described Damien as the beautiful, selfless soul he was while here with us.
The celebration was also blessed with the beautiful vocals of Damien’s Aunt Gertrude Davis, Lucky “UNK” Witherspoon, and friend Abby Bayquen, who performed a song she wrote in Damien’s honor. Thirty-five balloons in his favorite color, green, were released in honor of his birthday. The ceremony ended with food and fellowship, including a custom pasta bar catered by John of Bistro Soul to honor Damien’s great love for pasta. Interment was private, and his remains are at Fairmont Memorial Park in Fairfield above ground at the Chestnut Dormitory. His soul is in heaven.
I would like to take time to thank the following: those of the community, both known and unknown, for the thoughts and prayers that have been provided in this season of unexpected loss; Alex and the staff over at Bryan Braker Funeral Home in Fairfield, who provided me with care and genuine compassion during finalization plans; Detective William Carpenter from the Vallejo Police Department and the investigation which prayerfully led to an arrest of a suspect; Open Vallejo and the Vallejo Times-Herald for allowing me to humanize my son through interviews following this tragedy by providing a name, face, and story to the person who was initially known as the 14th homicide victim so far Vallejo in 2024; and lastly Amy Harris and Courtney Anderson from the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. On behalf of myself, and Damien, allow me to extend a heart of gratitude for the lives you all touch in your work. Thank you.
