 A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Davis enlisted in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army for many years during World War II at the Pacific Theater, being able to return stateside in 1942 and 1943 to partake in championships but having to forgo in 1944 and 1945.For most of his 19-year weightlifting career he represented the York Barbell Club.He worked as an officer in the New York Department of Corrections.