Superintendent Charles Davis was a visionary community leader, faith-based advocate, and founding force behind the Family Enrichment Center. His life’s work spanned education, civic engagement, ministry, and family empowerment. As the son of the late Bishop W.E. Davis and Mother Doretha Davis, Superintendent Davis inherited a legacy of service which he carried forward with distinction for more than five decades.
Born on December 23, 1940, in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was the ninth of ten children. His family relocated to Tampa in 1949, where he would eventually become a pillar in the community. He married Deloris Longworth in 1966, and together they raised four daughters and five grandchildren. Superintendent Davis consistently credited God’s guidance and his wife’s unwavering devotion for the strength of their family.
Faith & Ministry
Raised in a deeply rooted Church of God in Christ (COGIC) household, Elder Davis committed his life to Christ at the age of 25. He served in nearly every level of the church, including:
- Sunday School & YPWW Teacher
- Deacon
- Trustee
- Elder
- Finance Chairman
- Jurisdictional YPWW President (Youth Dept.)
- Assistant Pastor at College Hill COGIC
- Pastor at College Hill COGIC
- Superintendent
- Chairman of the Elders Council, Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida
- First Administrative Assistant to Bishop W.E. Davis
He especially cherished his service as Jurisdictional YPWW President, where he guided youth with compassion and purpose.
Education & Professional Background
Superintendent Davis graduated from:
- H.W. Blake High School (1959)
- Gibbs Junior College – A.A. (1961)
- Florida A&M University – B.S. in Education (1963)
- Golden Gate University – M.P.A. (1979)
- Saint Thomas Christian College – Honorary Doctorate of Divinity (2012)
Professionally, he worked to uplift Tampa’s underserved populations in roles such as:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Hillsborough County Head Start/Childcare Coordinator
- West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center Manager
- Community Action Agency Director
- State Supervisor, Florida Census Bureau
Civic & Community Engagement
Superintendent Davis’s leadership extended far beyond the church walls. He served with or held appointments from:
- Tampa/Hillsborough County Ministerial Association
- Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund Board
- NAACP (Tampa Branch)
- Tampa Urban League
- LifePath Hospice Foundation Board
- Big Brother/Big Sister Organization
- Police Athletic League (President)
- Pastors on Patrol (President)
- Community & Law Enforcement Services Board
- Presidential Appointment – Local Board 27, Selective Service System
- Governor Appointee – State Board, One Church One Child
- Mayor’s Task Force – Community Awareness & Engagement
- Florida Bar Grievance Committee – 13th Judicial Circuit
Founder of the Family Enrichment Center
Among his greatest legacies is the founding of the Family Enrichment Center, where Superintendent Davis served as both Board Chairman and CEO. Through FEC, he worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and strengthen families by providing culturally sensitive, family-centered support services.
His leadership established FEC as the only minority-owned and operated child-placing agency in the southeastern United States, and helped transform foster care, kinship support, and community-based programs throughout Hillsborough County.
A Life of Legacy
Superintendent Charles Davis passed away on September 27, 2024. He leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, civic leadership, family devotion, and community transformation. His life’s work continues through the countless individuals and families who were uplifted by his vision and love.