Coy Ovid Davis

Coy Ovid Davis was born on February 5, 1933, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the fourth child born to Will and Cora Davis. He attended school at East End Elementary School, and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1951.

After graduation, he joined the United States Army in 1953 and received an honorable discharge after two years of service. He married Sarah Lou Facen, of Little Rock, Arkansas. To this union two sons were born (Victor and Karlos Davis). This marriage was terminated by divorce.

Coy attended night school at Arkansas Baptist College, where he majored in Social Science. He received a BA Degree in 1958.

Coy met the love of his life in the spring of 1962, Eleanor Carr, of Tyler, Texas. They were joined together in holy matrimony on August 26, 1962, and made their home in Little Rock. To this union four children were born (Ricardo, Ronaldo, Regina, and Reginald).

Coy and Eleanor joined St. Mark Baptist Church, 33rd & Gaines Street in 1971. Rev. Duggar Johnson appointed Coy coordinator of the Music Department. He served in that position for three years. During that time, Coy and Elanor organized the Little People's Choir. The choir sang on the 3rd Sunday monthly and was invited to sing at numerous other churches in the Little Rock area. During the Christmas season, the choir would visit the Sick N' Shut In singing Christmas carols and giving fruit baskets.

Coy also organized the Girls Softball team. They participated in the Little Rock Softball League. The team players received many trophies for outstanding performances during the season.

Coy and Eleanor continued working with the young people. They organized the Youth Outreach Ministry at St. Mark, where age-related Bible classes were taught including special activities.

Serving as Chairperson of the Trustee Board at St. Mark Baptist Church for 12 years, several projects were completed. Some of the projects were: burning of the church mortgage, purchasing land for additional parking area, upgrading the sound system, major interior repairs were made, and the parking lot was resurfaced.

Coy was employed by the U.S. Veterans Administration Hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas as a nurse technician in the Intensive Care Unit. In addition to carrying out his job at the V.A., Coy served as Equal Opportunity (EEO) Counselor, representative of the Hospital Employees. He received numerous awards: Special Contribution Award, Outstanding Rating Certificate, Performance Award, and Achievement Award for Special Act or Service Award. After 36 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1990, (prior to reaching retirement age), to assist in the health care of his ailing mother.

Coy earned the 32nd Degree Mason with the Trinity Lodge #33 in 1980.

Preceding Coy in death are his loving wife, Eleanor Faye Davis; parents, Will and Cora Davis; and sons, Victor and Karlos Davis.

Coy leaves behind cherished family including his children: Richardo C. Davis and wife Sheila, Ronaldo A. Davis and wife Delois, Regina F. Davis Howse and husband Curtis, and Reginald N. Davis and wife Jessica; grandchildren:  Thomas McIntosh, Jonathan Southall and wife Shaniqua, Jordan Davis, Cydney Davis, Caris Davis, Rebekah Davis, Micaiah Davis and wife Christine, and Hadassah Davis; great-grandchildren:  Jayden Southall, Kyrie Southall, and Neziah Davis; as well as a host of other family members and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Special recognition to his excellent and dedicated caregiving team led by Delois Davis and her staff, Sharon Wash for 10 years of service, and VA Home Based Primary Care, including Dr. Jennifer Shook, Nurse Matt Bishop, Social Worker, Betty Witherspoon, and many others.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, June 12, at Haven of Rest Cemetery, 7102 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Coy was a man of great stability, a mentor, role model, and was always willing to help those in need.  His memory will remain in our hearts always.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.