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15799 Davis, Samuel P.
October 05, 1923 - March 18, 1986

usma1946

 

MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Oct '88

Samuel Preston Davis, III No.15799 Class of 1946 Died 18 March 1986 in Little Rock, Arkansas, aged 62 years. Interment: Oakland Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas

Throughout his entire life, Pres lived as is stated in the '46 Howitzer, "a true son of Arkansas." He loved the state and he loved his birthplace of Little Rock. Never have I seen anyone so proud and so vocal about his heritage. It was a pleasant trait of his, among many.

It was natural that he would put in one year at the University of Arkansas before going to West Point. Cadet days were tough academically, but he never lost his happy, cheerful approach to life. No matter what the demons of academia would throw at him, he would smile through. He kept this approach in regular Army life and in his retirement life even though he was not well during the latter.

Between graduation in 1946 and retirement in 1969 he led the typical Infantry regular Army life with tours in Japan, Hawaii, Korea Vietnam, Ethiopia, Turkey, Germany, Thailand and Alaska. He was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War when he was aide to General Paul D. Harkins, 1960-63. He progressed in rank on schedule, reaching lieutenant colonel upon retirement.

Back in Little Rock in 1969, he delved into community life with vigor. He was on the administrative hoard of First United Methodist Church where seven generations of his family had been members. He was a board member of the Quapaw Quarter Association, Friends of the Central Arkansas Library, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, and the Pulaski County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In the months prior to his death on 18 March 1986, his mobility was impaired by his illness, yet he remained cheerful and hopeful. At the time of his death he was survived by his mother, Katherine Lindsey Davis; sister, Pauline Lindsey Davis Watson and two nieces of Little Rock. Mrs. Davis since passed away on 23 June 1987.

S. Preston Davis, III is dearly remembered by his friends and associates as a grand and sincere gentleman, outstanding officer, and a fighter for life which he lived to the fullest until he was called by his Maker. For those of us he touched, his memory will never fade.

Twill Newell, his roommate
Personal Eulogy

deceased

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