JIMMY WAYNE DAVIS

Jimmy Wayne Davis, 58, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Sept. 26, 1998, at his home.

He was born Aug. 30, 1940, in Scott City, the son of Cletus and Sadie Nance Davis. He married the former Sharon Kay Hanf on June 15, 1963, in Cape Girardeau.

Davis was a graduate of Illmo-Fornfelt High School in 1958.

Sergeant Major Davis enlisted in Combat Support Company, 1st Battle Group, 140th Infantry on Jan. 19, 1960. He completed his basic and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, S.C. on Aug. 6, 1960.

He began his full-time career as a military personnel clerk with the Headquarters, 1st Battle Group, 140th Infantry, Cape Girardeau. He was selected to be the Administrative and Supply Technician for HHC, 135th Engineer Group on March 1, 1966, and served with distinction in that position until April 15, 1973, when he was elevated to the Group Operations Sergeant.

He was promoted to Sergeant Major on April 5, 1974, at the age of 33 with 14 years of service. He was one of the youngest E-9s in the state.

Sergeant Major Davis has been awarded the following awards and decorations: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one hourglass, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Ribbon, Missouri National Guard Commendation Ribbon, State Emergency Duty Ribbon with one silver star, Missouri National Guard Long Service Ribbon with a Silver Hawthorne Cluster, Active Duty Basic Ribbon and the 35th Engineer Brigade Sergeant Major Outstanding Achievement Award.

He retired from the Missouri National Guard in 1991.

Mr. Davis was an active member many years with the Cape Girardeau Softball League. He was a member of the Big Eight and Universal Bowling Leagues. He was an active member of Elks Lodge 639 and Eagles Aeries 3775 of Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon K. Davis of Cape Girardeau; a son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Sheila Davis of Cape Girardeau; a son, Jeff Davis of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Tara Davis of Cape Girardeau; his mother, Sadie Davis of Scott City; a grandson, Ryan Davis of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Denny Davis of Benton, and Junior and Jerry Davis of Scott City; three sisters, Delores Krize of St. Peters, Brenda Niswonger of Scott City and Patti Bicking of Oran.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Elks services will be at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel. The Rev. Frank Bain will officiate.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery with military services conducted by the 135th Engineering Group and 1140th Engineering Battalion. Pallbearers will be retired National Guardsmen.