Celebrating the life of
Thomas Louis Davis SMSgt, USAF, Ret.
March 19, 1922 - August 31, 2012
Senior Master Sergeant Thomas Louis Davis
Born - March 19, 1922, Dubach, LA; Lincoln Parish
Died - August 31, 2012, Savannah, GA
Senior Master Sergeant Thomas Louis Davis, ret. US Air Force Tom or T.L. passed into God's arms early Friday morning, August 31, 2012. He died as he lived; peacefully, in God's grace and while asleep near his dear wife, Rose. According to Tom, who was only 19 years old during the infamous 1941 Japanese attack on the Americans in the Pacific "God spoke to me and said 'don't worry son, I will take care of you". As one of the few survivors of the Bataan Death March, Tom was indeed taken care of to the very end, and his life is a testament of his love for God, his country, and his family and friends.
Born in the town of Dubach, Lincoln Parrish, Louisiana in 1922, Tom was one of 5 children born to Pluma Frances Davis and Barney Culpepper Davis both deceased. At age 17, Tom joined the Army Air Corps in order to fulfill his childhood dream "to fly". Transferred to Savannah, Tom met Rose Orvin in 1940. In November 1941, one week after his marriage to the love of his life, Rose, Tom was one of many in the heroic 27th Bombardment Group code name "Operation Plum" sent from Hunter Field to Clark field in the Philippine Islands. Nine hours after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Davis' group was attacked. The group fought valiantly to hold off the far out numbering Japanese army, for 4 ½ months with no reinforcements or re-supply from the US. The infamous "Bataan Death March" followed their surrender.
Davis was awarded the Bronze Star and two oak leaf clusters for his outstanding valor in the fight. He also was awarded the Purple Heart. He was believed to be dead while missing in action for 2 ½ years and survived starvation, slave labor, and torture as a POW of the Japanese for 3 ½ years. Davis learned to speak Japanese and after the war obeyed God's command to forgive the harsh Japanese captors. He never held a grudge. He obeyed God in every respect.
Davis served in the US Air Force and the Air National Guard for a total of 35 years, serving fulltime during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
He was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia, in Lubbock, Texas, Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas, and Barksdale in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Tom helped open Hunter Airfield with the 27th group, served as a fight engineer, Instructor Flight Engineer, and Flight Engineer Section Chief. His flight time totaled an incredible 36, 000 hours. He still has legendary status in the 158th. Airlift Squadron and the 165th. Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard at Travis Field, Savannah. The family thanks all of his Air Guard friends for their dedication and love.
His medals include the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, the WWII Victory, the Korean Service, the American Defense Service, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and United Nations service.
Tom held many offices during his years of dedication to his community and church. He served as deacon at Bull Street Baptist Church for 25 years and holds Emeritus status. He was a member of the Frank Nelson Sunday School Class. He was Eminent Master and 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient Rite Masons, where he gained many long lasting friendships. His status as a Shriner at Alee Temple was well known in the shrine community. He was a member of the Ex POWs, the SAFANG, and the VFW.
Upon retiring in 1974, Tom served his religious convictions by volunteering at Savannah Christian School and worked tirelessly to improve the school's infrastructure during a time of explosive growth.
Davis completed his associate's degree through the military. He was an avid reader and was constantly studying to advance his expertise.
Tom was preceded in death by Rose and Tom's much loved baby daughter Karen Suzanne 1949, beside whom he will be interred; and his loving siblings Hugh Davis and Irma Fazio.
Tom is survived by his beautiful wife of 70 years and the true love of his life, Rose Orvin Davis; his daughters, Janice Thelma Davis Mock, Nancy Davis Brian Glenn, Susan Dyane Grandy Col. James Grandy, ret., and Terri Linda Davison Ken; his dear sisters, Maurine Mason of Shreveport, LA and LaFaune Krampf of Sapula, OK; his grandchildren, Michelle Elizabeth DuBois, Lorenzo Thomas Davis Occhipinti, Sarah Elizabeth Morookian, Bruce Odell Brian II, Michael Thomas Morookian, Alexandra Rose Grandy, Alannah Rachael Grandy, Davis Barclay Carson, Meredith Rose Carson; his great-granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Ashdown Michael; great-grandsons, Alexander DuBois, Stephen DuBois, and his great-great-granddaughter, Amelia Grace Anderson. He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his dear Uncle Robert Fennell.
The family all love and miss the man who inspired us and for whom we all care for most deeply, Thomas Louis Davis, a hero, an inspiration, a true American.
Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr.
Funeral: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, Bull Street Baptist Church, 17 East Anderson Street, to be followed by Military Service at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
My Condolences to you and your family. He was certainly a great man and a father to be proud of.
- Chuck and Rhonda Buie, savannah, GA
I remember so many things about the times we spent together. You taught me how to nail wood, out in your shop; how to 'crab' with a line, pulling up the crab so quickly that he would not have time to get away; and how to drive with a stick shift, offering a way to 'down shift' to stop the car. I remember our trip to Greece. You and Mom were the life of the party. Everyone who knew you, wanted to hang out with you. You had your passport taken in Philadelphia so Mom had to go ahead on her own. The next day, you sashayed into the hotel in Athens while the rest of us were dining. You got there on your own and without a single phone call at age 78 I had forgotten that you had gone to Athens many times, while in the service and could go anywhere with ease. What memories, Dad. You taught me to forgive and to try to not worry. You gave me an ideal to try to reach but who really could. What a man you were to me and to all of us. I love you and miss you forever.
- Nancy Brian, Savannah, GA
Over the years, I've thought and spoken of T.L.with much pride and gratitude for his service to our country and to the Savannah community. In fact, I've always been a bit 'in awe' of him. I will miss him. As with Cousin Marcia, I, too, hope to see you the next time I'm in Savannah. Rose, you and the family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Cousin Julie
- Julie Harden, Columbia, SC
He was a great man and will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
- Ben E. Cole, Savannah, GA
When I came to Hunter AFB in 1955, Tom was one of the first people I remember. He was an inspiration to me. He helped me in any way he could. I had great respect for him as well as Howard Benford. I remember Tom in our deployment to North Africa shortly after I arrived in 1955. When we were pulling alert at Harmon Nfld. Tom and I were crewed together on one TDY. I remember Tom lying on his bunk with his legs crossed and his feet under them. I asked why and he said as a POW he slept that way to keep the rats from gnawing his toes. Very interesting. Tom was always reading and furthering his knowledge. That inspired me to get my education and move up the ranks. I will never forget Tom and the things he did for me and others. He was truly an American hero. It was an honor to know him. God bless him and rest his soul.
- Billy Hall, Statesboro, GA
To all of the Davis Family, There are no words to ease the loss of this wonderful man. I will always carry the memories of his warmth, kindness and humor. It is an honor and a priviledge to have known him - such a hero. Always so welcoming to the Davis home with his beloved daughters, my friends, God bless and my love.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Thank you for your service and know you are in Gods hands. Our prayers are with your family and friends and may the Lord comfort you all during this time.
- Jim & Regina Fox, Brooklet, GA
Will miss T.L. greatly. He was such a warm, friendly man who cared deeply about all of his family. I am proud to be part of that family. Will try to see you all the next time we are in Savannh.
- Marcia Lavely, Dickson, TN
Our prayers are with you and your family Rose......I feel honored to have worked with Tom.....
- Dick Morin, Savannah, GA
We have just lost another WW11 hero. Mr. Davis was a great man and worthy of full honor & respect. Very few men have sacrificed for this country as Mr. Davis did. Mr. Davis has a legacy which will live for years to come. The circumstances of life and war placed Mr. Davis in some very difficult and trembling situations; however, he made all the right choices and conquered life in the most prestigious manner. He chose a beautiful wife who stood by him through this life, and he chose Jesus Christ to see him through eternity. My prayers are with the family, May God bless and comfort you in the days and years to come. Stand tall and be proud.
- Barry C. Tice, Midway, GA
My Condolences to you and your family. He was certainly a great man and a father to be proud of.
- Chuck and Rhonda Buie, savannah, GA
I remember so many things about the times we spent together. You taught me how to nail wood, out in your shop; how to 'crab' with a line, pulling up the crab so quickly that he would not have time to get away; and how to drive with a stick shift, offering a way to 'down shift' to stop the car. I remember our trip to Greece. You and Mom were the life of the party. Everyone who knew you, wanted to hang out with you. You had your passport taken in Philadelphia so Mom had to go ahead on her own. The next day, you sashayed into the hotel in Athens while the rest of us were dining. You got there on your own and without a single phone call at age 78 I had forgotten that you had gone to Athens many times, while in the service and could go anywhere with ease. What memories, Dad. You taught me to forgive and to try to not worry. You gave me an ideal to try to reach but who really could. What a man you were to me and to all of us. I love you and miss you forever.
- Nancy Brian, Savannah, GA
Over the years, I've thought and spoken of T.L.with much pride and gratitude for his service to our country and to the Savannah community. In fact, I've always been a bit 'in awe' of him. I will miss him. As with Cousin Marcia, I, too, hope to see you the next time I'm in Savannah. Rose, you and the family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Cousin Julie
- Julie Harden, Columbia, SC
He was a great man and will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
- Ben E. Cole, Savannah, GA
When I came to Hunter AFB in 1955, Tom was one of the first people I remember. He was an inspiration to me. He helped me in any way he could. I had great respect for him as well as Howard Benford. I remember Tom in our deployment to North Africa shortly after I arrived in 1955. When we were pulling alert at Harmon Nfld. Tom and I were crewed together on one TDY. I remember Tom lying on his bunk with his legs crossed and his feet under them. I asked why and he said as a POW he slept that way to keep the rats from gnawing his toes. Very interesting. Tom was always reading and furthering his knowledge. That inspired me to get my education and move up the ranks. I will never forget Tom and the things he did for me and others. He was truly an American hero. It was an honor to know him. God bless him and rest his soul.
- Billy Hall, Statesboro, GA
To all of the Davis Family, There are no words to ease the loss of this wonderful man. I will always carry the memories of his warmth, kindness and humor. It is an honor and a priviledge to have known him - such a hero. Always so welcoming to the Davis home with his beloved daughters, my friends, God bless and my love.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Thank you for your service and know you are in Gods hands. Our prayers are with your family and friends and may the Lord comfort you all during this time.
- Jim & Regina Fox, Brooklet, GA
Will miss T.L. greatly. He was such a warm, friendly man who cared deeply about all of his family. I am proud to be part of that family. Will try to see you all the next time we are in Savannh.
- Marcia Lavely, Dickson, TN
Our prayers are with you and your family Rose......I feel honored to have worked with Tom.....
- Dick Morin, Savannah, GA
We have just lost another WW11 hero. Mr. Davis was a great man and worthy of full honor & respect. Very few men have sacrificed for this country as Mr. Davis did. Mr. Davis has a legacy which will live for years to come. The circumstances of life and war placed Mr. Davis in some very difficult and trembling situations; however, he made all the right choices and conquered life in the most prestigious manner. He chose a beautiful wife who stood by him through this life, and he chose Jesus Christ to see him through eternity. My prayers are with the family, May God bless and comfort you in the days and years to come. Stand tall and be proud.
- Barry C. Tice, Midway, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
