The 58-year-old pastor of Charleston Southern University (CSU) has died after a battle with brain cancer. Pastor Jonathan Davis had been the Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life at Charleston Southern University since 2019 as well as lead pastor at Summit Church. Davis had been associated with CSU since 1991 when he served as the school’s assistant football coach. In 1999, he took on his position at Summit Church where he served until his death. His involvement with CSU resumed in 2004 as he took on a role as CSU’s campus pastor. In October 2021, he received a diagnosis of stage 4 multiforme glioblastoma.

Despite the severity of his diagnosis, Davis continued to preach the Gospel and share his faith. “For years, he faced his illness with the faith and courage that defined his ministry while undergoing treatment at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center,” his obituary stated. “He continued his ministry throughout his treatment, pointing others to Christ in his most difficult hours. He walked in the light, knowing that Christ triumphs over darkness and the brokenness of this world.” The CSU community surrounded Davis and his family during his cancer battle. Stuart Lake, Charleston Southern University’s former baseball coach, described Davis as “one of the best men I ever got to be around.” “I can’t even put into words what he would do. He made it cool to be a Christian,” he said.

“Jon Davis led spiritual life on this campus for years, shining the light of Christ. His authenticity and strong desire to share the gospel with every person he met brought joy to our community,” wrote CSU President B. Keith Faulkner in a statement to the school. “There are hundreds of stories of Jon leading students to the Lord, and the impact of his life on God’s kingdom and so many lives is immeasurable.” Davis leaves behind his wife of nearly 38 years, Lynette, and his four grown children.

In a Facebook post sharing her husband’s death, Lynette said her husband “embodied his life verse, Psalm 71:18.” The verse states, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Davis’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for March 13, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Salisbury.