Howard R. Davis

Howard Ray Davis, 76, of Bradford was born February 5, 1930 in Wynne, Arkansas and went to meet his Saviour on July 31, 2006 at 4:26 p.m.

He was preceded in death by his parents; James William and Nellie Damron Davis, sister; Lena Mae McKibben and a brother; Jesse "Zip" Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; Loretta Ann (Sisk) Davis and 6 children: Bobby R. Davis (Lenora) of McCrory, Carolyn VanBeveran (Gary) of Bradford, Patricia Hall (James) Galesburg, IL., Becky Jo McNew (Michael) of McCrory, Betty Boyce (Danny) of Bradford, LaVonne "Tootie" Criswell (Tony) of Heber Springs. 3 brothers; Willie "Dee" Davis (Gertie) of Cherry Valley, James "Dub" Davis (Fonza) of Wynne and Carl "Bo" Davis (Joyce) of Cherry Valley. 1 sister; Katy Thomas (Len) of Bradford. A sister-in-law; Linda Davis, wife of "Zip" Davis. 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, a very special "adopted" family member affectionately known as "Little Girl", Greba June Edens, and beloved and faithful pet; Prince Charming Davis.

He attended New Beginnings Church of God in Bradford when his health permitted and was of the Pentecostal Faith for his entire life. His great faith in God was evident until the very end of his life here on Earth.

He was a member of the 39th Infantry in the Arkansas National Guard from 1946-1948. He worked for the Highway Department in the 1960's and also worked many years in the construction business while residing in the state of Illinois. Upon returning to Arkansas, he owned and operated Davis Service Station in McCrory. Howard earned his GED at the age of 59 and was very proud of that accomplishment. In 1983, he attended and graduated from the Arkansas Police Academy. Afterwards, he served as an officer in McCrory, Patterson and Bradford Police Departments. He retired from the McCrory Police Department in 1993 and in November of 1993, began a new adventure by opening Davis Quilting Service in Bradford. He enjoyed telling people that he "laid down his gun and picked up a quilting machine." He was very proud of the fact that he had quilted over 11,000 quilts since opening his shop. He loved it dearly, as well as all of his customers. He was known for his honesty, his integrity, and his devotion to his wife, children and to God. Even during his lengthy battle with cancer, he was a testimony of love and courage to all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bald Knob Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church in Bradford. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Bald Knob Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at baldknobfuneralhome.com.