Henry Pittman Davis

Posted on September 4, 2020

They say a man never stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.  If that is the case, then Henry Pittman Davis if truly a giant in many people’s eyes. 

Henry, the son of John A. and Annie V. Davis, was born in 1927, in Davisville, Fla. He passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at the age of 93. 

An early high school graduate, Henry enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 to serve in World War II.  During his tour of duty overseas, Henry drove for several generals. Everyone always enjoyed hearing the stories of his experiences, including his attendance at George Patton’s funeral and the Nuremberg trials.

Upon returning home, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in agricultural sciences. After graduation from the college, Henry married the love of his life, Nell Turner Davis.  They made their home in Taylor County, where they raised their two daughters.

In 1950, he began his lifetime career with IFAS as a county extension agent. During this time, he was instrumental in starting numerous programs that are still in existence, including the Taylor County Farm Bureau, the very first Florida Forest Festival, 4-H Forest Ecology Program, The Cattleman’s Association, Big Bend Beekeeper’s Association and the establishment of the Lifeline program in this county. 

But if asked, he felt his most significant contribution was the time he invested in the youth through 4-H. 

He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce,  Perry Kiwanis Club and countless others. He loved fishing, working in his yard, the Florida Gators and his wife’s chicken and dumplings!

Henry dedicated his life to his God, his family, his friends and his community. He was known as a kind, honest, hard-working man. He was a friend to all.

It is no surprise that in 2002, he was honored with an official “Henry Davis Day.” Subsequently, there is now a foundation in Henry’s honor that recognizes and provides camp scholarships to deserving 4-H boys and girls.

His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed over the years. He received countless awards of his life’s work, which include being inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, the Florida Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award and the IFAS/CALS Alumni and Friends Award of Distinction, but his favorite honor was the title of “Best Dad and Granddaddy in the World.”

Henry is preceded in death by: his wife, Nell; his grandson, Lance Quicke; his brother, Everette Davis; and his sister, Ethel Kirkpatrick.

He is survived by: daughters, Sandra Quicke (Arley) of Perry and Wanda Holcomb (Tim) of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Heather Michelini (Jon), Kristin Roberts (William), Ashley Brafford, and Colbey Murphy (Mike). 

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Lillian, Hamilton, Broward and Brooks, whom lovingly referred to him as “Granddaddy, the Fun Fellow.”

The family will receive guests for a socially distanced visitation at First Baptist Church of Perry on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. to be immediately followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, if preferred, a memorial contribution may be made to the Henry Davis Scholarship, UF Foundation, Attn: Pamela Matchett, 1011 McCarty Hall, P.O. Box 110170, Gainesville, FL  32611.

Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry is handling the arrangements. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.