Jerald Morgan Davis

Jerald Morgan Davis, 81, of Daytona Beach Florida passed on April 18, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born August 14, 1942 in Pickens County SC to Curron David Davis and Era Josephine Morgan and soon joined by brothers Lowell and Boyd. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rebecca Boatright of Daytona Beach. Even though Jerald's time on earth has ended, he lives on through his son Jay, daughter Julie, and grandchildren Nina and CJ.

When he looked back on his life, Jerald could only conclude that he was born under a lucky star with great family and superb role models. Although he was born into this world very poor financially, he was very rich in all other aspects of life. He enjoyed a very robust and healthy life, a highly successful career as an aviator, electrical engineer, and president of a successful aviation consulting company specializing in operations of large transport category airplanes.

After graduating from Clemson with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, he joined the United States Air Force. During his 11,000 hour military flying career, he flew more than 106 combat support missions in Vietnam and was awarded 3 Air Medals for meritorious achievements, a USAF Commendation Medal, and the prestigious USAF Meritorious Service Medal. After 14 years he retired from the military as a Lt. Colonel and joined the Federal Aviation Administration, initially as an Air Carrier Inspector and then transitioning into the Flight Standards Office.

As a pilot, navigator, and flight engineer he flew all over the world and as a flight safety expert he earned many awards and accolades, including the prestigious and highly desired Robert J. Collier Trophy that is hosted in the U.S. Air and Space Museum. He also built the Flight Safety program for the large aircraft manufacturer Airbus and served as the Chairman of its Flight Safety Conferences for the first 15 symposiums and as author of its Flight Safety Magazine.

Before his passing, Jerald wrote a memoir titled 'Born Under A Lucky Star', which the family plans to publish. If you care to share any stories or reflections on Jerald, please send them to bornunderaluckystar.1942@gmail.com.