Obituary: John Albert Davis III

John Albert Davis III, often known as “Dabo” of Cabot, formerly of Jacksonville, AR, went to be with his Eternal Father on “Father’s Day”, June 18, 2023.  He was born on January 11, 1942, in Jonesboro, AR to the late Albert Whitfield Davis and Miriam Lee Thompson Davis.

He attended high school at Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, TN and spent two years of college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

John was a well-respected businessman to all who knew him.  He was the CEO of Whit Davis Lumber Plus, a company his parents started in Jacksonville in 1953.  John was only 11 years old during this time, but he grew up learning the prudent business practices that were taught to him by his father.  As time went on, John knew he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps and grow the business.  He put his heart, soul, sweat, and tears into making Whit Davis the successful company it is today.

He is remembered as a compassionate, grace filled man who impacted so many lives.  John genuinely cared for others, and it was not uncommon for him to sit and visit to learn more about your family.  He was a strong, honest leader and a man of integrity.  If you were lucky enough to know John Davis, you know all these traits to be true.

John was a pillar in his community and gave his time to many organizations over the years.  He served as a Water Commissioner for the City of Jacksonville, was on the Board of Directors at First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Jacksonville Towers, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Elderly Activity, and the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club.  He served in the Air National Guard in 1964 and on several committees with various buying groups associated with Whit Davis Lumber Plus.  John was also a Master Gardener and enjoyed woodworking and flying as a private pilot.

John was preceded in death by his parents (it must be noted that his mother, Miriam, lived to be 104 years old!); his sister Sue Hobdy; his son-in-law Don Millar; and his grandson Nathan Millar.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years Sue Jones Davis; children Stacey (Douglas) Cheshier of Cabot, AR, Paul (Sherri) Davis of North Little Rock, AR, Dan Davis of Jacksonville, AR; grandchildren Nicholas (Nicole) Millar, Amanda (Tyler) Wilkie, Robert Davis, and Colton Davis; great-grandchildren Piper, Rhett, Reece, Ava, Makinzie, Colton, and Fisher.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 12:00pm-2:00pm at First Baptist Church, 401 North First Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076.  Funeral service will begin at 2:00pm.  Burial services will follow at Old Austin Cemetery in Austin, Arkansas, 72007.

Services are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.  Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Source: A Natural State Funeral Service & Cremator