HENRY "HANK" CLAY DAVIS

UNITED STATES ARMY RANGER HALL OF FAME

Born March lO, 1925 Died June 16, 1999

Hank Davis was born March 3rd, 1925 in Fannin County, Georgia in the town of Dial. He was the proud son of Mr. Arthur Lafayette Davis and Mrs. Carrie Mae Brown. Among the family was also Hank's brother Clyde Ray Davis.

In 1942, at the age of 17 Hank enlisted in the United States Army. Key points to his career were being a part of the last regiment of the Horse Calvary out of Fort Riley, Kansas. From there he was trained to ride horseback from Fort Riley, Kansas all the way to Brownsville, Texas. As the unit disbanded Hank Davis then went on to become apart of one of the United States Army's most famous units, Merrill's Marauder's assigned to 236th Combat Engineers in China-Burma-India at the peak of World War II.

After World War II, Hank went on to join the Air Force where he served all over the United States. His career sent him to Chanute AFB-Rantoul, Illinois, Ehnandorf AFB- Anchorage, Alaska, Carswell AFB-Fort Worth, Texas, Westover AFB-Springfield, Massachusetts, Ent AFB-Colorado Springs, Colorado, USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Lowry AFB in Denver Colorado. Among his many career assignments was his 13-month tour in Vietnam, and finally in 1965 retiring as a Master Sergeant completing 22 years of military service.

Following his military career Hank Davis decided to continue serving his country working 20 years Civil Service at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois. Approximately 12 years ago Hank moved to Dahlonega and for several years continued to work part time at North Georgia College.

HENRY CLAY DAVIS'S FAMILY:

Hank's first wife was Maxine Stephenson of Colfax, Illinois having three children with Hank. Their son Nelson, and two daughters Brenda and Kimberly were to later go on to give Hank 6 beautiful grandchildren Lisa, Max, Jesse, Fabian, Devon, and Catherine. After his first wife's death in February of '84, Hank continued on when he eventually met his 2nd wife Joyce Fosnaugh, who he married in December of '85. They were married for 13Y2 years of what is described as a truly wonderful marriage. The two loved to travel together all the while covering much of the United States and Canada on driving trips. Accompanying the two were usually his brother Clyde and his wife.

His lists of hobbies were extensive but specifically his love to watch things grow and eating fresh vegetables kept him working with his garden. Reseeding his lawn twice a year, he undoubtedly had the greenest lawn in his neighborhood keeping it green all year long.

"He was a good responsible spouse and father, and who never gave up on anything!"

No fancy restaurant could ever match his steaks! Hank's love for family made fishing with his grandchildren one of his most enjoyable hobbies and in keeping with his grandchildren he always had room for ice cream or watermelon.

Unfortunately on June 16th, 1999 Henry " Hank " Clay Davis passed away.

"He was down to earth and truly a very honest man!"