Longtime Virginia Harness Horseman Tom Davis Passes Away at 66 Years of Age
Longtime harness horse owner and Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA) Board member Thomas Allen “Tom” Davis, Sr., 66, husband of Cherron Fletcher Davis, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at his home in New Church, Virginia.
Born on November 22, 1958, in Salisbury, MD, he was the son of the late Willie “Billy” A. Davis, Jr. and Audrey Grace Miller Davis. Mr. Davis was a successful Eastern Shore farmer throughout his life, passing his love of the land down to the next generations. He was one of the founding members of the VHHA and remained active on the board. One of his proudest positions was on the negotiating committee for the development of Colonial Downs to ensure harness racing in the State of Virginia. Tom was the driving force behind the Maryland Horse Auction and the Eastern Select Sale, showcasing some of the greatest racing talent in the mid-Atlantic region.
Mr. Davis owned harness horses from 1992 thru 2025. His last pari-mutuel win was with Bootlegger Charie in August, 2024 at Ocean Downs. The 6-year-old gelding pacer’s current bankroll stands at $97,420. In 2023, another 6-year-old gelding pacer of his named Fredneck registered four wins. In the same year, Mr. Davis co-owned 3-year-old trotting filly Starlight Lounge with Dr. Charlie Dunavant — who headed up the VHHA from the mid-1970’s thru 2014 — and took second in the Virginia Breeder’s Championship Series at Shenandoah Downs which included a $84,000 final leg. Most recently, his Goodlookingdevil scored a qualifying win at Dover Downs on February 5 this year.
There was never a sporting event that Mr. Davis was not involved in with his children, nieces and nephews. In his later years, he quickly became “Pop” to many children, ensuring his presence at all of his grandchildren’s games and activities as well. His love for horses, farming, and coaching kids ran deep and has fortunately been passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Davis was well known throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia for his amazing support of youth sports. There was absolutely nowhere he would rather be than on a field or court cheering on kids. He and his wife Cherron followed their children throughout their school and collegiate careers, never missing a game, and were continuing the tradition, supporting each grandchild in every endeavor. Mr. Daviswas the biggest supporter and cheerleader of not only his own family, but all Eastern Shore children. His family had been extended and multiplied by the dozens from relationships that grew out of round ball, whether it be a baseball, a softball, a volleyball, a football, a basketball, or a soccer ball. One of his proudest achievements was being the defensive coordinator for the 2000 Virginia State Champion Football team at Broadwater Academy, along with two state runner-up teams.
Above all, Mr. Davis was the true definition of a devoted family man. His world was made whole each Sunday evening as he and Cherron hosted a houseful of children, grandchildren, friends, family and anyone else who happened to show up hungry at 6:00. If you were lucky, Mr. Davis had baked a special cake for the occasion.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 13th, at 5:00 PM at the Davis Family Cemetery, 2479 Tulls Millpond Road, New Church, VA 23415, with Pastor Bruce Bowden officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Central Accomack Little League, P.O. Box 486, Onancock, VA 23417, c/o Billy Justice, or Holly Grove Grandparents Association, 19169 Lands End Drive, Parksley, VA 23421, c/o Betsy Miles.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Parksley, VA.
