Dr. Gary Don Davis

Oct 17, 1945 - Jun 30th, 2019

Birth Date: Oct 17, 1945
Death Date: Jun 30, 2019
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location:
Print this Obituary

Biography: Dr. Gary Don Davis, age 73 of Little Rock (formerly of Mena), died June 30, 2019. He was born October 17, 1945 in Mena, Arkansas and was the son of Richard E. Davis and Dora Faye Davis.

Dr. Davis was a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Class of 1971 and served his residency in Pensacola, Florida in OBGYN. He retired from the United States Army as a Colonel in 2006 and served as a physician in Afghanistan for fourteen years. Dr. Davis retired from his dedicated service in the medical profession in March of 2019.

Survivors include his wife of forty years, Anne Davis of Little Rock; brothers, Thomas G. Davis (Beckie) of McDonough, Georgia, David D. Davis, DVM (Cindy) of Greenfield, Indiana, Danny R. Davis (Vicki) of Hatfield, Arkansas; a sister, Linda Faye Bridges (Bobby) of Imboden, Arkansas; nineteen nieces and nephews and twenty-two great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Pensacola Florida.

Condolences(23)

Robert C Allen Jr COL USA Retired

#23

Jan 2nd, 2024 12:00 pm

Great man. Worked with him at Madigan and Honduras on medical mission. One of a kind. A legend, I smile and laugh whenever I think of him.

Kathryne Higheagle

#22

Apr 30th, 2022 7:18 pm

Gary delivered my first son. He told me that I probably wouldn't be able to have any more children before this because of health problems. I named my son Nathan Michael early in the pregnancy and when when he presented in the Doctor's arms, Gary greeted him with, 'Well hello Nathan Michael!' Nathan greeted him by peeing a nice arc into his shoes. Gary had a fine sense of humor and loved people so much. How could we not love him back? With his friends he shared his life and he listened to ours, meeting us on common ground. Idaho was blessed to have you and Anne.

Nesar Ahmad Hamraz

#21

Dec 20th, 2021 12:59 pm

It was an unbelievable news for me that my teacher Dr. Davis passed away, May he rest in peace.
Dr. Davis was a great teacher and unique mentor of mine and many other Afghan military doctors. He served long time in my home country, Afghanistan.
I never forget his kindness and his extraordinary personality. and I never forget his tears when he had left my country in March of 2019.

S Sanders

#20

Mar 11th, 2021 5:37 pm

The most vivid memory I have of Gary was of him coming out the ocean at Subic Bay with surf board under his arm. Never much surf there, but it never kept him from trying.

Steve Machesky

#19

Feb 23rd, 2020 8:27 am

Gary and I shared bunk space in Afghanistan, I loved his sense of humor and in fact he enticed me to pursue a career as an underwear model after finishing my contract gig. I always though he would beat me to it since he often mentioned that his underwear was older than I was. Gary and I were picture perfect as roommates, lights out around 1900 and both up before 0400, a few times I heard him leave the room around 0100 then return just before 0300, only to find out that his watch has stopped and when he got to work he discovered what time it really was. I often wondered why he didn't have a more reliable watch. We also shared similar political leanings particularly with regard to the Clinton's, say you don't think......I'll be forever blessed knowing him, despite his tendency to walk in the wrong direction around the compound. Until we meet again my friend....Steve Machesky, Col (Ret) USAF

Scott Kambiss

#18

Dec 4th, 2019 11:15 am

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Davis. He was truly a superb Mentor and Teacher in both my professional and military career. I owe a tremendous debt to all he did for me in shaping my career. He was a true gem, an esteemed teacher and mentor and he will be greatly missed.

Ellyn Ogden

#17

Nov 20th, 2019 2:50 pm

I am heartbroken to learn of Gary’s passing. We met in Afghanistan several years ago. He was instrumental in supporting our work in polio eradication. His efforts to engage his Afghan colleagues, keep the medical professionals in Afghanistan briefed on the country’s immunization efforts, and his deep knowledge of the Afghan people were invaluable. Mostly, he was a positive spirit in the midst of great difficulties. He encouraged and supported me and my team. He will be missed! What an amazing legacy.

Abdullah

#16

Nov 12th, 2019 2:39 pm

So sorry to hear of his passing.
Feel so bad for all the family, mission friends and afghans health care professionals . He was a great man and will be missed greatly.

Cayla Andreasen

#15

Oct 3rd, 2019 1:35 pm

Uncle Gary, You were my godfather. I was looking forward to seeing you again. You used to visit us here in florida when i was little. i remember you loved the book Old Man and the Sea. For that reason i always had a copy of it. Mom told me today that you had passed. i cant believe its true. i thought i would get to see you again. You could meet my daughter Alyvia. I will truly miss you and love you.
With Love,
Your God Daughter,
Cayla (Pooh)
Please share information for the service here in Pensacola, Florida.
cayla1012@gmail.com
or 850.221.2777
Thank you

Sandy

#14

Oct 3rd, 2019 1:32 pm

What can be said about Dr. Gary Davis that has not already been said. I worked with him for many years starting back in the late 80's. in Georgia. Are there any details regarding the Pensacola service yet?

Boli Matthews

#13

Aug 19th, 2019 6:59 am

I couldn't believe it. So sorry to hear this news. He was amasing person.
RIP.

Melanie Carino

#12

Aug 18th, 2019 8:49 am

I’m grateful that you were in Afghanistan when I was there for my 6 month gig. You helped me keep some sanity with the stuff going on and help me focus on the good we were doing. I’ll miss the conversation and all the little things I learned.

Melanie Carino, Lt Col, USAF, MSC

Tim Deater

#11

Aug 16th, 2019 11:49 am

There were many people who had the pleasure of meeting and working w/Dr Davis. Afghanistan was a unique place. Sorry for your loss. Dr Davis was a great teammate and mentor.

Shiva wagle

#10

Aug 15th, 2019 1:17 pm

So sorry to hear this news , I was with him more than 2 years at NKC he was sleeping in Myers room number 6. great doctor . RIP

Deb Hawkinberry

Aug 15th, 2019 10:24 am

Doc Davis was the most interesting and intelligent men I have ever met and I know I will never meet another person that can match his intellect and wit. I used to tell him a movie should be made about his life adventures and Tom Hanks would play him. I had the pleasure of working with him when I was in Afghanistan from June 2018 to March 2019. He will be dearly missed by many.

Sylvia Kim

Aug 15th, 2019 10:11 am

Dr Davis, I was so proud to serve with you in Kabul, Afghanistan on the same Medical Sustainment team. You were so humble and kind to everyone around you and were legendary to the Afghanistan health system. You helped build a sustainable health care system and national emergency management and disaster plan for the Afghan people and their military that will last for decades to come. As soon as you stepped foot in the Afghan National Army Hospital, everyone jumped up and knew who you were as you groomed, mentored and guided them to be wonderful leaders in their medical community. You broke down communication barriers and gender discrimination through relationship building for 14+ yrs and are truly one of a kind. I will miss our daily intersections, all I learned from you, your crazy stories, your love for your team, the people of Afghanistan and your wife. May your beautiful soul forever rest in heavenly peace.

W/ love,
Sylvia Kim, USAF, LtCol, MSC
(Active duty 2006-Present)

Marc Wahlman

Jul 13th, 2019 11:31 am

I first met Gary in the 1970's when when I was 6 or 7 years old, he was a friend of my future Stepfather. I had the honor and privilege to work with him in Afghanistan and call him my dear friend. We use to go to the gym in the morning and later hang out and talk about Pensacola and how much we loved it there. Our last time together in Afghanistan was at the Thai restaurant on North KIA where I introduced him to my wife Arma. He was Great Man, Friend and Doctor and he will be greatly missed by us all! My deepest condolences from Arma and I to his family, friends and colleagues who are grieving with us. Tashakor Dr. Gary! Please send me the details of the memorial service in Pensacola.

Karen Bevill

Jul 13th, 2019 9:35 am

The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth

The sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until eternity

Ava Corinne Davis

Jul 11th, 2019 2:52 pm

I worked next to Gary for 2 and 1/2 years in Afghanistan; sharing office space, stories and a desire to help the Afghan people. As Dr. Marler stated above, he was the champion for securing the right for women to attend the Afghan Military Medical College and serve in their Army. He also advised the top senior medical military officers in Afghanistan and promoted numerous public health initiatives such as the campaign for polio eradication. Personally, he was a fantastic and loyal friend who made our long days in Afghanistan enjoyable. Gary - I am really going to miss your stories of Rowdy and Tooty. I am praying for you buddy.
Anne - I never got to meet you but heard a lot of wonderful stories about you. I feel that I know you and would still like to meet you and the rest of Gary's family. Please contact me when you have time: (817) 357-5002.
I have reached out to the leaders in Afghanistan and they send their condolences as well.
PS - I am interested in attending the memorial service in Florida. Please send information.

Adam Marler

Jul 9th, 2019 4:16 pm

I served with Gary in Afghanistan in 2016. We traveled the country together, and I saw his hand in every facet of leading the medical community of Afghanistan. I have told countless stories about him to my friends, family, and even perfect strangers. His soul is one of a kind. I left the service on June 30, 2019 and have been meaning to email him to check in. Gary was a wonderful friend and father figure to me during a difficult time. While Gary and I worked together in Afghanistan, my father was dying and ultimately passed one month after my return home. I know he is in a better place and will never forget him. I only wish I was able to see him again and go fishing and hunting as we had planned. My heart is breaking for your family and for the medical community of Afghanistan. Because of him, women in the Afghan National Army now serve with distinction as physicians and leaders in their country. Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers.

My best,

Adam T. Marler, MD
USAF, MC (2004-2019)

Joan Hodges Detherow

Jul 7th, 2019 2:18 pm

So sorry to hear of his passing and feel for all the family. He was a fine man and will be missed greatly.

Joyce Fellows

Jul 3rd, 2019 8:38 pm

Sorry for your lost. He a great Doctor.
Very good story teller.

Sonya Duffer

Jul 3rd, 2019 1:37 am

A remarkable man & brilliant Dr, and the best crazy Uncle a girl could ever wish for! We miss him so much, but are blessed to have so many wonderful memories of experiences growing up with our Uncle Gary. All our love, Sonya, Taylor, Harley & Carson

Leave your Condolence

* Enter verification code

Top