Craig Thomas Davis Sr.

1944 - 2024

LITTLE ROCK - Craig Thomas Davis, 79, of Little Rock, passed away March 19, 2024, at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Cremation rites have been planned for immediate family at Smith Family Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court in Little Rock at 11 a.m. Saturday. Memorials can be made to John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital, MICU Floor 1, 4300 W. Seventh St., Little Rock 72205.

Craig was born Dec. 14, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late Eva H. Davis and Glenn T. Davis of Minonk, Ill. Craig had three siblings, the late Glenna Davis (Al) Vining, Brian (Carol) Davis of Kansas City, Mo., and Jeff (Ramona) Davis of Indianapolis.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Norma Heringer Davis; one son, Dr. Craig (Andrea) Davis Jr. of Jonesboro; one daughter, Kelly (Bill) Epsy, of Oklahoma City; one stepdaughter, Heather Heringer, one stepson, John (Amanda) Heringer III; and six grandchildren, Brock (Alexa) Davis, Abigail Davis, Taylor Heringer, Stevie Heringer, Liam Heringer and Henry Epsy.

Craig graduated from MDR High School in 1962. He then went to Western Illinois University, after receiving a football scholarship to play quarterback. He majored in business administration.

Craig then felt called to join the Army and became a chief warrant officer in the First Calvary. He served valiantly and was decorated as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for making numerous flights into hostile territory with a disabled aircraft to land infantryman to protect other downed disabled aircraft. He also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal for meritorious service while serving with the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion.

After serving our country, Craig moved to Arkansas, where he was employed by Delta, Inc. for 15 years. He was CEO of the pickup utility toolbox company for 10 of those years. He then served as president of Storall, (which at the time was the world's largest marketer of utility toolboxes for pickup trucks).

He also served as president of Arkansas State Golf Association, and as a director of the prestigious Southern Golf Association which covers 10 states, including Arkansas. Craig was also president of the Jonesboro Country Club. He was active in civic organizations throughout Jonesboro including the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and Jonesboro Industrial Development Committee.

Craig enjoyed playing golf competitively. Competing in tournaments with friends and his wife, Norma.

He was an avid hunter, making countless trips to the woods, with his son, Craig Jr. He adored his grandkids and kept it a priority to have close relationships with them. He was a great cook and loved to serve his family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and adored his dog, Bodie. He will be greatly missed.

Online registry: www.smithfamilycares.com