Jerry Keith Davis, 84, left his earthly home in Waldron, Arkansas, to go to his heavenly home on April 30, 2026. Jerry was born on the Davis farm (established in 1876) on August 28, 1941, to his parents, Thurlo “Dick” Davis and Alvanue (Frost) Davis.
In his youth, he learned (and loved) to hunt, fish, and ride horses with his Dad and also his childhood friend Jimmy Judy. In his teenage years, football was his passion.
As much as a boy loves to play, he was encouraged to work on the farm along side the rest of his family, which included his older sister Linda and younger sister Donna. He worked hard and, as a young teen, supervised several hay-hauling crews.
When he graduated from high school in 1959, Jerry proudly enlisted in the Navy, where he served his beloved country and saw the world. During many long, lonely watches as a Radioman, he developed a love of reading.After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Arkansas Tech. He graduated in 3 years with a double major in Economics and Business Administration, while also working full-time. He enjoyed learning and continued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, even entering their law school for a year before his job at Campbell Soup took priority to support his family. Always employed, he held supervisory positions in Fayetteville, AR; Carthage, MO; Milford, DE; and Waco, TX.
Jerry enjoyed traveling with his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Tylitha. He loved history, hiking, horseback riding, reading, watching sports, music, a good thunderstorm, and listening to ocean waves. He was a true romantic. Almost always surrounded by women, he was also a man of great patience.
Jerry returned to his boyhood home with Susan and Tylitha (“my girls,” as he called them) after retiring. He kept in touch with most of his friends, many commenting that he asked about their family, but never mentioned his declining health.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife and life companion of 48 years, Susan. His daughters Stephanie (Randy) Hamilton of Prairie Grove, AR, and Tylitha Davis of Waldron, AR. His grandchildren, Chad Hamilton, Justin Zaccanti, Todd Lankford, Tanner Goolsby, Ian Davis, and their families. Susan’s family enthusiastically welcomed Jerry into their family. Dianne (Greg) Wenrich, Rose Wenrich, all of Indiana; Bob (Robyn) Wenrich, California; Catherine (Jim) Heffernan, Pennsylvania; their children and grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by his two sisters: Linda Goodner of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Donna Judy of Harrison, Arkansas along with their children, Randy Judy, Stewart Judy, Greg Goodner and Karan Rogers.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Stacey Davis, and brother-in-laws Jimmy Judy and Jim Wenrich.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Birdsview Church, Waldron, AR, beginning at noon, there will be a viewing, at 2:00 p.m., the service will begin, followed by Military Honors and graveside prayer.
Jerry’s love, firm handshakes, tight embraces, and mischievous grin will hold his memory for us who were honored to know him.
