Long-time local businessman Jerry T. Davis of Perryville died Saturday, Dec. 7, at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 87.
Mr. Davis was born on Oct. 31, 1937, in Perryville, to Ray Murry and Myrtle Ada (Heinbokel) Davis. He married Sandra Bollinger on Aug. 29, 1959, in Chester, and they were married 65 years. She survives at the home. The couple’s three children are Pamela, Timothy and Thomas.
Mr. Davis had a passion for farming and tractors. He began working for his father in the parts department at Davis Farm Supplies in 1955 and became owner and general manager of Davis Farm Supplies, Inc. in 1974.
He was always a leader, having been an officer of the 4-H in Creal Springs, Ill., and president of the FFA in Marion High School in Marion, Ill. He excelled in the business world, having served as president of the Southeastern Equipment Dealer Association, the president of the Mississippi Valley Dealer Association, plus, he served on its board of directors at the national level. In addition, he served on the board of directors of Home Trust Mercantile and US Bank.
Later in life, Mr. Davis became interested in antique tractors and served as president of the River Hills Antique Tractor Club, where he helped organize Old Timers Day, tractor rides, Plow Days and harvest days. He owned more than 45 tractors at the time of his death, along with a collection of toy tractors and children's pedal tractors that he showed in St. Louis and Sikeston.
Recalling his friend, Dennis Lappe, director of the River Hills Antique Tractor Club, shared his thoughts on Mr. Davis.
“Well, he was a hell of a good man — I know that,” Lappe said. “He done a lot for the club. He done a lot for the community. He was a good businessman, and I don’t think he had an enemy I know of. He always liked to have fun and laugh. We had a lot of good times together. He was just a good guy.”
In addition to being known as a joke and storyteller, Mr. Davis was an avid supporter of community organizations, including 4-H Clubs and FFA. He also organized annual ATV rides, the funds of which went to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Mr. Davis supported the local Missouri veterans, sponsoring periodic breakfast for the veterans at the Missouri's National Veteran's Memorial in Perryville.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville.
In addition to his wife Sandra, Mr. Davis is survived by his daughter, Pamela Kay (Paul) Klaus of Jackson and two sons, Timothy Lynn Davis and Thomas Wayne (Michelle) Davis, both of Perryville; a brother, Jimmie Ray (Carol) Davis of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
The funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 12, also at Ford & Young Funeral Home with Brother Charles Mangels officiating.
Tractors from the River Hills Antique Tractor Club will lead the funeral procession.
Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
