Gary Lawrence Davis

Gary Lawrence Davis was born on January 27, 1953, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Aubrey Hill and Geraldine Davis.

He attended Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from time to time.  He grew up to be a handsome and talented young man. Gary nick-named “Duke” was a 1972 graduate of Arkadelphia High School where he played sports and excelled as a student while showing tremendous skill in football. At 165 pounds, he dominated the field playing the offensive guard position of the Badger offensive line. Above all, he was a team player, motivator, and encourager. He was a stellar athlete and key performer.

By far he was one of the most popular students and athletes that walked the halls of Arkadelphia High School and will go down in history as one of the G.O.A.T. of his era. With his dreams of becoming a police officer, he attended the youth orientation of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.

He was a hard worker and worked for McDonalds and was a longtime employee of Wal-Mart. By all accounts, he was a “jack of all trades”. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, the company of his family and close friends both young and old. He loved to be entertained, and particularly loved football, as a result of his high school exposure.  He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan.

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, he slept peacefully from this life. He was preceded in death by his parents, bonus-father, Johnny Sanders; and four brothers, Kenny Davis, James C. Davis, Larry Davis, and Michael Davis.

He leaves three brothers, Carlton Taylor of Arkadelphia, Bobby D. Gray (Jeanette) of Malvern, AR, and Aubrey (Loretta) Hill of Malvern, AR;  nieces and nephews, Christopher L Gray (Kellisha), Shavonda Gray, Tiffany Gray, Marcus James and Joseph James; several great-nieces and great-nephews; aunts, Betty J. Helms of Arkadelphia, Evelyn Jones of San Diego, CA, Francis J. Williams of Arkadelphia, Clarice Davis of Arkadelphia and Brenda Williams of Arkadelphia; uncles, Charlie Davis of Little Rock, Maurice Davis (Mae) of Arkadelphia and Willie Davis of Arkadelphia. He also leaves a special friend and colleague, Lawrence Jackson; and a host of cousins and friends.

Public visitation will be Monday, June 7, 2021, from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. The family will fellowship at the Community Family Enrichment Center after the public visitation.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., officiating. Interment will be at Helms Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eric Davis, Rickey Davis, Levi Garland, Lawrence Jackson, George Golden, Sammy Gutierrez and Stebbin Davis. Honorable to mention are Charlie Davis, Maurice Davis, Willie Davis, AHS Class of 1972 and Gyronne Buckley.

 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4