Mark Antony Davis

Mark Antony Davis, age 64, of Suches, GA passed away on September 21, 2023. Mark was born in Macomb, IL but spent his childhood years in Las Vegas, NV, Elko, NV, and Brookline, MA. His teenage years were spent in Monroe, NY, which he considered his hometown. Mark moved to Athens, GA in 1981 to attend UGA. He graduated in 1985 with a BS in Criminal Justice. He married a Georgia Peach and put down roots in GA. Prior to moving to his cabin in Suches, GA, Mark lived in Cumming where he and his wife, Terri raised their family. Mark was a devoted husband and father. Mark had a 20+ year career as a law enforcement officer, first as a deputy in Clark County and then as a State Parole Officer.

Mark spent the last 20 years of his career as a Federal Probation Officer and retired in 2014 to care for his ailing parents. Mark was incredibly proud and cherished his work as a federal probation officer believing that all deserved a second chance.  Mark brought a drug and alcohol program to federal probation that he had used in state parole, taking the program and greatly expanded the counseling services for offenders in regard to drug and alcohol education. He also taught cognitive skills as well. Both programs were an effort to help the probationers acquire knowledge and learn skills to lessen the chance of re-incarceration. Mark also facilitated probationers in acquiring community service hours including working a program in Suches at the fish hatchery. This is when he fell in love with Suches and decided to make it his second home and recently his full-time residence.  

Mark used his size and demeanor to be intimidating which was an asset at his job but the facade didn’t stand up when around family and friends, he was actually a big teddy bear. Mark’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a dog lover but would balk at adopting another dog only to fall in love with it and claim it as his best friend. He found peace and relaxation sitting on the porch at the cabin watching and listening to the creek while smoking a good cigar and his favorite bourbon. He also enjoyed trips out west to visit the desert which was an integral part of his youth. Mark was a rabid Georgia Bulldog fan and a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. He was able to die a happy man knowing that he had witnessed both teams achieve a championship in the same year.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joyce Nolan, his biological father, Everett Davis, and his beloved dogs, King, Jessie, Rowdy, and Merlin. Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Terri, and his children, Cassie (Tyler) Davis, and Trevor Davis,  his grand-dog Riley, along with a brother-in-law Todd Bowen, and numerous nephews and their families, as well as his brothers from another mother, Mike McNelis and Pete Scanlon. Mark touched so many lives through his work and in his friendships, he will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home in Cuming, GA.  Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens in Cumming, GA. The family will receive friends at the funeral homeon Friday from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.  The family has stated that casual wear is welcome along with University of Georgia attire in honor of Mark. “Go Bulldogs”.