L. D. Davis

LD Davis, 87, a resident of Little Rock, died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Baptist Medical Center. Born August 28, 1923, in El Paso, Arkansas, he was a son of Dove Cody Davis and Lillie Stewart Davis. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Janie Reed. Mr. Davis was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. He was a 1948 graduate of the Modern School of Business. In 1941, Mr. Davis started his business career in the trucking and transportation industry. He was elected and served as President of the Arkansas Bus and Truck Association for one year. Additionally, he served five years as the Vice President of the American Trucking Association from the state of Arkansas. He was a manager for Central Transportation until his retirement. He was a member of Little Rocks First Baptist Church in Pleasant Valley and served on the finance committee. Mr. Davis was proud to have served in the military for the United States of America during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant, U. S. army. His medals include the Bronze Star for a job well done under combat conditions in the Pacific. LD enjoyed visiting with family, friends, watching sports especially the Razorbacks, gardening, boating and going to Destin, Florida. However, there was nothing he enjoyed more the past 37 years than spending quality time with his loving wife Jean Davis. He was married to Margaret Ann Reichen Davis from 1942 to until her death in 1957. During this time, he fathered three surviving children, Judy Davis Tripod Caldwell of Orlando, Florida; Larry Davis of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Rick Davis of Aurora, Ohio. He was married to Margaret Elizabeth Steed Davis from 1959 to 1972. During this time, he fathered one surviving child Brian Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was married to Eva Jean Davis from 1974 until his passing. During this time, he helped raise his three surviving step children, Lynn Brown of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Nancy Cuthbertson of Conway, Arkansas and Jeff Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas. Additional survivors include 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. The visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011, at Griffin Leggett Healy & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 in Little Rocks First Baptist Church in Pleasant Valley. A graveside services will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2011, in Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Dr. Jim Lagrone, First Baptist's pastor, will be officiating at both services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Rocks First Baptist Church in Pleasant Valley. Online register at: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.