Franklin E. Davis of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born August 31, 1943, in Weiner, the son of Eary Earnest “Jack” and Ethel Viola (Tanksley) Davis.
Mr. Davis was a graduate of Weiner High School and received an Associate degree from the
Community College of the Air Force. He was a United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. During his time in the service, he served as an Electronics Tech and Airborn Radar Tech, as well as a welder and an Industrial Electrician. He reached the rank of E6, Tech Sergeant, and was Honorably Discharged following stellar service to his country.
Mr. Davis retired from Trail Mobile in 2008. He also farmed alongside his family at Davis and Sons Farms.
Mr. Davis was an Arkansas Razorback fan, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing, and raising tomatoes. He especially loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Davis enjoyed leading singing at Grubbs Church of Christ, and Midway Church of Christ. He was a current member of the Holden Avenue Church of Christ in Newport.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by one grandchild, Jacob Davis; and his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Sybil (Gunter) Davis of the home; four sons, Michael Davis and wife, Rhonda of Cave City, Tony Davis and fiancé, Tracy Hardy of Jackson County, Timothy Davis of Jackson County, and Curtis Davis and wife, Shelly of Sulphur Rock; one step-son, Mark Tate of Searcy; one step-daughter, Pamela Tate of Searcy; nine grandchildren, Ashley Davis, Andrea Watson and husband, Joel, Seth Davis and wife, Laci, Sarah Hardin and husband, Matt, Matthew Davis, Hannah Davis Gilmore and husband, Rodney, Hunter Davis and wife, Terin, Abby Hooper and husband, Jacob, and Emily Davis; eleven great-grandchildren, Case Davis, Georgia Davis, Noah Jack Hardin, Ella King, Jack Hardin, Trent Hardin, Lilie Davis, Jackson Hooper, Maggie Hooper, Alaine Watson, and Luke Davis; four step-grandchildren, Heather Douglas and husband, Andy, Boddy Clause and wife, McKayla, Tate Stone and wife, Mikah, and Coby Stone and wife Amber; six step-great grandchildren, River, Briar, Cade, Cam, Zane, and Maverick; three brothers, Wayne Davis and wife, Joan of Midway, Ralph Davis and wife, Diane of Midway, and Kenny Davis and wife, Mary Jane of Tumbling Shoals; two sisters, Barbara Jo Meade of Southside, and Linda Fay McColough and husband, Greg of Baytown, Texas; several nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit the funeral home, on Friday, October 6, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Davis Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Davis, Curtis Davis, Tony Davis, Hunter Davis, Timothy Davis, and Seth Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Davis and Matt Hardin.
Memorials may be made to the Davis Cemetery Fund, c/o Keith Davis, 440 Barnett Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
