Eugene Davis, 81, of Jasper, died Monday, May 18 (2020) at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
The son of Roy and Viola Francis (Hull) Davis, he was born Feb. 22, 1939, in Deer. He married Earlene (Ewing) Davis, on Dec. 17, 1960, at Jasper. They were both active members of Dover Church of Christ and Jasper Church of Christ.
Eugene worked many years in sales and general management with Crawford Ford in Olathe, Kansas. After moving to Arkansas, he farmed and was a cattle rancher in Newton County. He was a noted citizen of Jasper and Newton County, having served on the Jasper City Council for 13 years, and the Deer School Board for three terms. He was an active member of the Newton County Cattlemen Association, and with his brother, Mel Davis, they won the 2007 Anglers of the Year.
Eugene was a great outdoorsman, and loved spending time at his hunting cabin with his comrades, Jamie, Preston, Alex and Lance. He was a member of the Mill Creek Bass Club and was instrumental in developing the Lake Dardanelle Park weigh-in complex for tournament events. He also lead the development of the Round Top Walking Trail. For his outstanding contribution to the lives of Arkansas seniors, Eugene was chosen as the 2011 Inductee into the Senior Arkansas Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mel Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Earlene Davis; their daughter, Kimberly Statler (Jamie) of Atkins; two granddaughters, Kaci Rood (Preston) of Russellville, and Shelby Pierce (Lance) of Cave Springs; a great-grandson, Statler Davis Rood; and a sister, Pat Jackson (Forrest) of Lead Hill.
A private graveside service will be held at Crossroads Cemetery in Deer, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Pastor Micah Williams and Rev. Stan Taylor will officiate.
Memorials may be made to: Crossroads Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, C/O Bank of the Ozarks, 100 East Church Street, Jasper, AR 72641.
Online guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com .
