of Little Rock, AR
January 28, 1948 - May 20, 2017
GARY A. DAVIS, 69, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 20, 2017. He was loved by many for his kind and caring heart. Gary dedicated his life to advocating and helping those in need. He will be profoundly missed by those who were blessed to know him.
Gary was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on January 28, 1948, to Ann Elizabeth Davis and Leonard Ardell Davis, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by many family members whom he held dearly in his heart. Gary was blessed with a son, Mark A. Davis of Little Rock, and his wife, Tammie, and their two children, Mason and Abigail, all of whom were the apple of his eye and a favorite topic of conversation with his friends. Gary is also survived by his husband and partner of 35 years, Rick Fleetwood of Little Rock. He and Rick had a special bond and were truly partners walking through this life together. Gary is survived by two beloved younger sisters, Judy Duncan and her husband, Jim, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Lisa Leatherwood and her husband, Jim Bob, of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by his nieces, Elizabeth Pickering and Jessica Rayburn, and his nephew, Aaron Davis, as well as many other family members and dear friends.
After graduating with a Master's of Education from Arkansas State University, Gary began his career in Jonesboro as teacher at Nettleton Elementary School while at the same time serving part-time as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. After several years of teaching, he saw a need for helping children who had been abused and neglected. Gary's heart led him to accept a position with the nonprofit S.C.A.N., Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect. He passionately advocated for protection of abused and neglected children and ultimately became S.C.A.N.'s state director. Gary served in this position for many years when he felt his heart pull him in a new direction, one in which he shifted his focus to helping individuals with disabilities by becoming the state's Director of Development for United Cerebral Palsy. Once again, Gary poured his heart into his job and was promoted to the National Director of Affiliate Relations for U.C.P. Since retiring, Gary has volunteered and served many different charitable organizations. Most recently, he greatly enjoyed giving his time and energy to the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Association. Gary has definitely left us all with a legacy of tirelessly giving of himself to make a difference in the lives of others. His heart was filled with love and respect for all, and his life is evidence of that.
Gary was blessed in many ways. He was a gifted pianist, a marvelous cook, and a gracious host who loved to entertain in his home. Gary was well known for his impeccable sense of style and creative vision. He loved to travel, whether being pampered aboard the Queen Mary or sipping cocktails with friends in Costa Rica. He enjoyed Razorback football and the tailgating even more so. Gary was also never shy about sharing his quick wit with his family and friends. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Please join us at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas to celebrate the life of Gary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary's memory to the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Association at 1800 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
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48 Condolence(s)
Edward Patterson and David Sims
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
We are very sorry to hear of Gary's passing, he was a very dear friend.
Carol Core and Mark Shaffer
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Oh my goodness, we are so sad to hear of Gary's passing. Such a bright and beautiful man. We will never forget the wonderful time we had at Gary and Rick's home during one of our UCP conference visits to Little Rock.
Our hearts go out to Rick and the family. Gary was such a fun loving person and he will be greatly missed!
With our deepest sympathy and love always, Carol and Mark
max goolsby
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Rick
Thinking of you my friend.
Priscilla Skarda
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Rick, my heart breaks for you during this most difficult time. Although I had only met Gary a couple of times when I worked at Twin City Bank, he was always so kind and such a gentleman. My prayers are with you and Gary's entire family. Pris Skarda
Cindy Dillaha-Lemley
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Rick, I can't imagine your pain. Please know you will continue to be in my thoughts. To the other family members, I am terribly sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all.
Gladwin Connell
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Hutchinson
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
We are saddened at Gary's passing. Prayers and comfort to Rick and family.
Gary Horton
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Rick sorry for your lost.
Isiah and Florcia Thomas
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
When the enemy death strikes, it can leave us with emotions that are difficult to understand and process. At that time we can gain comfort from God's word. Philippians 4:6, 7 tells us we can gain the peace of God that surpasses our thoughts and is bigger than any pain we may feel. We hope that you and your family gain comfort at this time from the words of Isaiah 41 : 10, 13, which say, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you ...... I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness".
Llorene Jones-Henderson
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Rick
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Steve Caver/George Mobbs
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
We have great memories of Gary and Rick. Very special people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rick and their families. We will raise a toast in memory of a fine person.
Brant Weeks and Jim Novak
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Our sincere condolences go out to Rick and to the family. We have lost a great man. He was a true inspiration while he was with us in this world. Gary's leadership and compassion touched all those who came to know him, literally hundreds of people. Jim and I grieve his loss along with you. We carry you in our hearts and prayers. The heavens are blessed to have him now. His Love of mankind will stand as a monument till the end of time. He and Rick were our best friends for many years and our lives were enriched by their presence. He will be greatly missed.
Kay Buckley Williams
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
I will always remember Gary's easy, warm laugh and what a fun, sweet man he was. He was elegant, kind and had great style. He will be missed by anyone that ever knew him!
My sincerest condolences to Rick and to his family.
Jennifer Elliott
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of sweet Gary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brenda Blue
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
My heart is heavy with grief and sadness. I had many wonderful adventures with Gary and Rick. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to Rick and all the family.
Mark Lezotte
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Dear Rick and family,
I'm so sorry to hear the news of Gary's passing. What a wonderful legacy or service and commitment.
Wishing you peace, and keeping you in my prayers.
Mark Lezotte
Dianne Paladino
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Words can not express how sorry I am to hear this news. Gary was always so fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Ken Auerbach
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Rick,
I was saddened to learn of Gary's passing. I will always remember his smile, even when dealing with some of the most difficult affiliate issues.
May your many wonderful memories comfort you at this time of grief.
Ken Auerbach
Armando Contreras
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
My deep condolences to Gary's family. May the Lord's comfort and Love come upon Gary's love ones and friends during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Armando Contreras- CEO UCP of Central Arizona
Lisa & Darwin Buehler
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Our hearts are filled with sadness and longing to have had one more conversation with Gary but our memories of dinners, brunch at the Capitol Hotel, charitable events, cocktails and great conversation are filled with nothing but smiles and laughter. We will cherish those memories forever.
Jennifer LaFrankie
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Dear Rick and family,
I had the honor of working for Gary at UCPA in Washington DC. He was the best dressed, the funniest, and the kindest boss a girl in her 20's could ever dream up. He kept the staff laughing while teaching us all how to organize and run a proper annual meeting. Gary will always be remembered by me with the fondest of memories. May you find some comfort in knowing just how many lives Gary touched.
Warm regards,
Jennifer and Patrick LaFrankie
Bill Sims
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Rick I am so sorry that I will not be able to be in Little Rock for the services. Gary and I shared many good times during his Jonesboro years. I rented the U-Haul and assisted him to make his move to Little Rock in 1981. You have been a great comfort, supporter and a wonderful addition to his life. My thoughts and prayer for comfort are with you, Judy, Lisa and Mark's family.
Greg and Stephanie Herr
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Loved and will be missed by all, good bye my friend.
Jane and Ed Benton
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Rick:
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this trying time. Jane and I have often talked about the many good times we share with Gary and his involvement with UCP.
Ed
Heidi Kurtz Walters
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
To Gary's family,
I had the pleasure of working with Gary at UCP in the mid 90's and he is someone I will never forget. His wit, humor and memorable one-liners still keep me laughing and quoting him to this day. One fond memory was when Gary arranged for us to take a tour of the White House in 1996.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Heidi Kurtz Walters
Dr. and Mrs. H. F. "Bunny" Brown, III
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Dear Rick,
June and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Bunny Brown
Ellen Coffield
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Rick,
May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead. I feel blessed to have had Gary touch my life.
Ellen
Allison Blankneship Yancey
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Mr. Davis was my 4th grade teacher at Nettleton Elementary. Oh, how many different venues he opened for us kids. He was bar far my most favorite teacher.
Diane and Randy Zook
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
May the love of God and prayers of friends give you comfort.
Randy and Diane Zook
Vivian Flowers
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Dear Rick,
I am so very sorry for your loss and I am praying for you, my Friend. Please know that as you are flooded with messages expressing deepest sympathy and offering condolences, yours and your family's loss is also being fekt by so many people who's lives you and Gary have together touched with your love, kindness, service, and warm hospitality.
Jeff Davidson & Dianna Pulford Davidson
Monday, May 22, 2017
We were sorry to hear about Gary. We have many wonderful memories from our school days together. Out thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Anna Farris
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick, My deepest sympathy. He was a lovely gentleman, always a delight to talk with. Love, Anna
Tasha and Ken Shew
Monday, May 22, 2017
Praying for your family Mark. We are so sorry for your loss. With great sympathy and love.
Rick Forkosh
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick and Family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. May you be comforted by the many wonderful memories Gary shared with you and his many friends. His infectious smile and contagious laughter made each of us who had the privilege of knowing him immediate and long lasting friends. I am both honored and blessed to have had an opportunity to get to know Gary and to have shared so many wonderful times together over the years.
Rebecca Cowling
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick and Family,
Please know you are in my heart and my prayers for peace and celebration of an amazing love.
Nancy Mahler
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick, and, Gary's Family, so very sorry to learn that Gary is no longer with us. I met him, years ago, when he was with SCAN, and, again, when we moved to Little Rock. Gary had a big heart, and, an even bigger smile. He will be missed by all who knew him. Gary touched so many, with his generosity, and, good sense. Condolences to Rick... from both Jennifer, and, Nancy.
Virgil Miller
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick, Stephanie and I are so sorry to learn about Gary's passing. Sending you our love and prayers.
Libbie Dougan
Monday, May 22, 2017
Please know that I am asking The Holy Spirit to bless and keep and comfort you all, during this time. Libbie Dougan. Phil. 4:13
Drew Jansen and Jimmy Martin
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rest in peace, sweet Gary. And our condolences to Rick and family.
Jurel Guffey
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick and Family
I am saddened to learn this news but know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Many fun times with Gary and Rick at social events in the past...R.I.P. Gary
Nina Lyons
Monday, May 22, 2017
Dear Rick, it was an honor to know Gary. I remember a kind and witty man. You are in our thoughts and prayers as are
his children. May the Lord bring you peace during this time. We love you. Nina and Rev. Robert Lyons
Marty & Mike Schaufele
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick and family. Mike and I are deeply saddened by this news. Gary was such a special person; and will be greatly missed. Unfortunately Mike and I will be out of town on Thursday. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sharon Etter Goodman
Monday, May 22, 2017
So sorry for your loss Gary and I grew up together went to school together and ran around together. He was a special guy
Michael Upson
Monday, May 22, 2017
Dear Rick and family,
Dr. and I were very saddened to hear that Gary had passed away. His spirit lives on in all that new him. Our prayer and thoughts are with you and the family and will all who knew and loved Gary. I pray that the wonderful memories you and Gary shared will sustain you during this sad and difficult time.
Warmest Regards:
Michael Upson and Jim Aukstuolis, MD
John D. Kemp
Monday, May 22, 2017
To Rick and to Gary's family, my wife, Sameta "Sam" and I send our deepest condolences to you. Gary touched our hearts and this doesn't seem possible at all. He loved you deeply. He cared about people with disabilities, and he was pure fun. That's the way we'll always remember him. A beautiful spirit. With our love, John & Sam
Anita Porco
Monday, May 22, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to Rick and Gary's family. United Cerebral Palsy was blessed to have known him for many years as a friend, employee and advocate for people with disabilities. Gary made those around him feel special with his warmth and huge smile. His influence will live on. Thanks for sharing Gary with all of us.
Tom Grunden
Monday, May 22, 2017
Rick and family, I am sadden by this loss of Gary and offer my condolences. As we knew him in life and shared so many moments his spirit will remain in our hearts. Peace be with each of you in this time. Tom
Lauraj
Monday, May 22, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort sustain you as you await the promises found at John 5:28,29 and Rev. 21:4 where God promises to do away with all the things that cause us suffering and pain including death here on the earth forever. (Psalm 37:29) It is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family at this time.
Lauraj