Obituaries

Gary A. Davis

Photo of Gary A. Davis
Gary A. Davis, 69, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 20, 2017. He was loved by many for his kind and caring heart. Gary dedicated his life to advocating and helping those in need. He will be profoundly missed by those who were blessed to know him. Gary was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on January 28, 1948, to Ann Elizabeth Davis and Leonard Ardell Davis, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by many family members whom he held dearly in his heart. Gary was blessed with a son, Mark A. Davis of Little Rock, and his wife, Tammie, and their two children, Mason and Abigail, all of whom were the apple of his eye and a favorite topic of conversation with his friends. Gary is also survived by his husband and partner of 35 years, Rick Fleetwood of Little Rock. He and Rick had a special bond and were truly partners walking through this life together. Gary is survived by two beloved younger sisters, Judy Duncan and her husband, Jim, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Lisa Leatherwood and her husband, Jim Bob, of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by his nieces, Elizabeth Pickering and Jessica Rayburn, and his nephew, Aaron Davis, as well as many other family members and dear friends. After graduating with a Master's of Education from Arkansas State University, Gary began his career in Jonesboro as teacher at Nettleton Elementary School while at the same time serving part-time as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. After several years of teaching, he saw a need for helping children who had been abused and neglected. Gary's heart led him to accept a position with the nonprofit S.C.A.N., Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect. He passionately advocated for protection of abused and neglected children and ultimately became S.C.A.N.'s state director. Gary served in this position for many years when he felt his heart pull him in a new direction, one in which he shifted his focus to helping individuals with disabilities by becoming the state's Director of Development for United Cerebral Palsy. Once again, Gary poured his heart into his job and was promoted to the National Director of Affiliate Relations for U.C.P. Since retiring, Gary has volunteered and served many different charitable organizations. Most recently, he greatly enjoyed giving his time and energy to the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Association. Gary has definitely left us all with a legacy of tirelessly giving of himself to make a difference in the lives of others. His heart was filled with love and respect for all, and his life is evidence of that. Gary was blessed in many ways. He was a gifted pianist, a marvelous cook, and a gracious host who loved to entertain in his home. Gary was well known for his impeccable sense of style and creative vision. He loved to travel, whether being pampered aboard the Queen Mary or sipping cocktails with friends in Costa Rica. He enjoyed Razorback football and the tailgating even more so. Gary was also never shy about sharing his quick wit with his family and friends. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Please join us at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 to celebrate the life of Gary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary's memory to the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Association at 1800 Center Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72206. Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published May 24, 2017

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