Capt Robert E. Davis

VIRGINIA BEACH - Bob "Sundance" Davis, 74, passed away on November 17, 2025 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Born on June 9, 1951 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, he spent most of his formative years in Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton in May, 1973.
Commissioned in the Navy through Aviation Officer Candidate School, he completed flight training and reported to the VF-21 Freelancers, aboard the USS Ranger (CV 61), flying the F-4 Phantom. He was then selected for instructor duty at Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), flying the A-4 and F-5 from 1979 - 1983. After transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat he reported to the VF-2 Bounty Hunters, making deployments aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Ranger (CV 61). In 1985 Bob was assigned to TOPGUN Det Nellis attached to the 4477th Test Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. While there, he supported the formerly classified program "Constant Peg" by flying adversary tactics in Soviet aircraft. He then transferred to NAS Oceana, serving as Executive Officer at VF-101. In 1990 Bob took command of the VF-32 Fighting Swordsmen and led them throughout "Operation Desert Storm" aboard USS Kennedy (CV-67). In 1992, after relinquishing command, he was the F-14 Requirements Officer at the Pentagon. He finished his Naval career as Vice Commander Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard the USS Saratoga (CV 60) supporting "Operation Provide Promise", and Commander Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). During his career, Bob accumulated over 900 arrested landings and over 5,100 tactical flight hours in numerous Navy and Air Force tactical fighter aircraft. He retired in 1996.
Following his 22 years of active duty service, Bob worked five years at Newport News Shipbuilding. Initially he was the Deputy Director of the Innovation Center and was then promoted to Program Director for Future Carriers (CVNX) development. In 2000 he began his 15 year career with Raytheon Corporation as the Aircraft Carrier Product Line Director. He shifted to the Growth Leader for the Tidewater area in business development before advancing to Vice President and General Manager of Raytheon Technical Services Company (RTSC) Depot Operations in Norfolk. Bob was promoted to Senior Director of C41 Programs for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems, from which he later retired.
Outside of work, Bob found joy in athletic pursuits. He was an avid runner, completing several half marathons and 10K's over the years, loved working on his golf game, and enjoyed ski trips with his family each winter. He loved the water and was grateful to live on Long Creek so he could boat and jet ski regularly. He was also his children's biggest fan at their various sporting events.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Karen, their two children and three grandchildren: daughter Jenna Tinney (Ryan), granddaughter Brooklyn, and grandson Jack; son Zachary, and grandson Logan.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Great Neck Chapel, 1264 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23454. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association or the USO.