Levi Davis, Jr., passed from his earthly life to be with his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2022, after a long battle with cancer and its complications. His family was with him holding his hands when he left this world, and he will be greatly missed. He was born May 15, 1943, to the late Levi Davis, Sr., and Vivian Vaughn Davis at their home in McCurtain County, Okla., on the banks of the Little Red River.
Levi worked from his early years picking cotton with his parents as they traveled from farm to farm. He also hauled hay and did other odd jobs during his youth. He was never without a job. He graduated from DeQueen High School in 1963 and went on to earn both a Bachelor Degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Wildlife Management from Louisiana Tech University.
His college years were interrupted when he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an E4 Specialist in the 266th Chemical Division of the U.S. Army. He was proud of his time in the military and was especially proud of his time in Vietnam. Levi loved this country and took an active role in politics. Many in Drew County will remember his frequent, spirited letters to the Editor of the Advance Monticellonian expressing his views on some political candidate or issue.
To say Levi loved his family and friends is a gross understatement. They were his world. He was married to Linda Kupper Davis from May 31, 1969, until the day he passed away. He was an extremely proud and loving father and grandfather. He loved to travel and took his wife and children on countless trips exploring the United States, particularly the western states and Alaska. He hunted and fished with his children whenever he had a chance and taught them the love he had for wildlife and nature. Above all else, he was a loyal, dedicated husband, father, and friend. He will be remembered as a strong, honest man whose word was his bond and whose integrity and character were some of his highest qualities.
In addition to his parents, Levi and Vivian Davis, he is preceded in death by his sister, Novadean Davis Shelton.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Kupper Davis; his son, Ward Davis (Natalie), their three daughters, Amelia Davis, Vivian Davis, and Henley Lakes; his daughter, Susan Phillips Davis (Gregory) and their two daughters, Karlie Phillips and Kenzie Phillips; a sister, Imajean Packnett; as well as a host of other family and friends.
A visitation in Monticello will be held at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 5 -7 p.m. A visitation in De Queen will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 5 -7 p.m. Graveside Services will be Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. in Chapel Hill Cemetery in De Queen.
