Wilbert Davis, Sr.

Retired Major Wilbert Davis Sr., was born in Eckman, West Virginia on December 11, 1933 to the late Evangelist Susie Anna Womack and Eddie Davis but, raised by his "Dad" Lawrence Smith. After high school in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the last black outfit in the 82nd Airborne Division. His army career expanded over 22 years. During that time he worked his way up through the ranks from Private E1 to Major via OCS in Ft, Benning GA. This was special because at that particular time, OCS was the only way black soldiers could become officers. He served in both the Korean War and Vietnamese Conflict. During his career, he was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze star for Meritorious, the Air Metal, the U.S Commendation Medal and the Silver Star among others. He established and implemented the Race Relations and Equal Opportunity Program for the Ordinance CORPS of the United States Army. Major Davis was an advisor to the Defense Department on matters dealing with race relations. Twice was chosen as the "Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer" in the 7th Infantry Division. He has a Bachelor of Science in History degree from Albany State College. Dad was a true soldier for his country and a true soldier for God. Major Davis was a great historian and an avid reader even when his eye sight failed him he enjoyed listening to audio books. He also was a Journalist of the APG News Paper "Ask Mr. D", Disc jockey for "Sunday Night Gospel Express", founder of "Will Davis Gospel Night" on Aberdeen Proving Ground, and many other contributions to society/community. One of his greatest pleasures was working with his special niece Tammy Westbrook preserving his family's history through reunions, pictures, and documents. This is what we've come to know as "Will's Notes". He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ann Davis, mother Evangelist Susie Anna Smith and father Lawrence Smith, daughter Jodie Susette Davis, Sister Shelby Christian, Brother William Thomas Smith, and grandmother-in-law Annie Brown. He leaves to cherish his memories his daughters Stephanie Davis-Harris (fiancée Alvin L. Harris), Karen Elizabeth Davis (fiancée Dermitrius Hanes), sons Wilbert Davis Jr. and William "Tommy" Davis. His sisters Elsa Jones and Dorothy Westbrook, brothers Paul Smith, Jackie ( Pam) Smith, Bobby Christian, James Jones, Adopted sister and brother Donna and Richard Stalling, Uncle Joseph Womack and mother-in-law Elizabeth "Tiny" Ward. His Grandchildren Chris (Kieyana), Aaron (Maggie) Noel, Pierce, William, Isaiah, James, John, Brice, and Timothée. Great-grandchildren Jyheir, Bertie, Jenaé, Travier, Aaron Jr., and A'kira-Faith. And a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by Retired 1st Sergeant James Williams, Gus Johnson, Chaplin Jim Johnson , Carmen Davis-Radford, Catherine Davis, Helen "Be Be" Hairston, Daneilla Sconion and many, many more. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22 from 6-8pm at the Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home. The service celebration will be on Friday, July 23 at 11:00am at Helping Hands Ministries. Interment with military honors will be at Harford Memorial Gardens. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001