On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Garland Ricky Davis peacefully passed away at the age of 69 after a short battle with cancer. Rick was born in 1952 in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Garland Wesley Davis and Freda Ivern (Blansett) Davis. In 1977, he married Marilyn Dunham of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Garland, and his mother, Freda. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, his two children Amy and Matthew, his grandson Westley, his younger brothers Larry and Bruce, as well as several cousins and nephews.
"Tank", as he was lovingly dubbed by his life-long SigEp and school friends, received a business degree from Arkansas State University in 1974. Rick and Marilyn started their life together in Little Rock, AR and then ventured out into the world living in Colorado, Ohio, New York, Indiana, and Utah while raising two children. He then took the bold step of moving his family to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1991 where Rick worked as a contract administrator for Saudi Aramco for over 17 years. After "retiring" in 2008, Rick went to work for Chevron in Houston, TX and Angola and for Bechtel in Indonesia. Rick and Marilyn eventually settled down and built a life in Knoxville, TN.
Rick had a lifelong pursuit of mastering sports and hobbies including football, biking, woodworking, tennis, golf, camping, hiking, and working on his Bluebird so that he and Marilyn could criss-cross America with their puppy, Sammy, hanging out on the dash. He spent countless hours coaching his son's baseball teams, completing puzzles with his daughter, and hosting his friends so that he could squeeze enjoyment out of every moment of life. He was known for his quick wit and ability to seamlessly blend advice into his storytelling. Rick was both earnest and quick to smile, a compassionate friend, always kind, and provided boundless love to his family who dearly hold him in their hearts.
A viewing will be held at McNabb Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Arkansas on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, from 12-2 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2 PM and then burial at Randolph Memorial Gardens. Flowers and cards may be sent to McNabb, or the family would appreciate donations be made to a charity which you believe Rick would cherish