Army Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday in Grand Style
Friends and family gathered on Saturday, October 5, at Arkansas Tech University to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Russellville resident Jock Davis, who turns 100 years of age on October 12. The retired Army Major served in World War II and the Korean War before working 50 years in the private sector as a poultry manager.
In August 1943, Jock Davis was 17 years old and recently graduated from high school. But there was little time to celebrate the accomplishment because he was anxious to join his two older brothers, who were already fighting to win World War II. “The day I graduated, I told my mother I was going into the Army,” Davis said. “I was sworn in at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, and two weeks later, I was on a train headed to Oregon for boot camp.” Davis wasn’t technically old enough to join, but that didn’t stop his determination. At Camp Robinson, he was issued boots and clothing that were too big for him. He was told that he would learn to fit the oversized gear. The experience also taught him to grow into a young man as he entered service in the combat engineer branch. The young enlistee didn’t fear leaving home for what lay ahead in the war, but he did feel a sense of sadness for leaving his mother behind. His father, a World War I veteran, had passed away 13 years earlier. “The military shaped my life through benevolence and caring for others. When you’re in a foxhole with someone, that’s a buddy that can save your life, Davis said. “I’d wake up many times after the war and wonder what my buddy was doing. You learn to love those guys.”
Davis was once again called to serve during the Korean War. When he reported to Army Headquarters in Little Rock, he was asked if he could type. An ROTC graduate from Arkansas Tech, Davis could type 105 words per minute. He was fortunate to spend his time in Little Rock during the Korean War.
The overwhelming turnout for the 100th birthday celebration revealed the friendships Davis forged over the years. Dozens of acquaintances lined up just to get a picture made with the local celebrity. Several VIPs, including local lawmakers, attended the event to help him celebrate the milestone. Arkansas Veterans Commission member Len Cotton discussed his longstanding relationship with Davis and thanked him for his military service. Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Kendall Penn presented Davis with a proclamation by Governor Sarah Sanders and a challenge coin. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton recorded a special video noting Davis’s dedicated service to the State of Arkansas and our nation.
Davis’s wife, Melba Jean Davis, passed away in November 2022. They were married for 74 years and left a family legacy of one daughter, three grandsons, five great-granddaughters, and three great-grandsons. Numerous family members traveled from as far away as Huntsville, Alabama, to help organize and celebrate the birthday bash. “I think it’s amazing that he has done so much in his life and accomplished so much,” said Caitlin Baker, his great-granddaughter. “He still drives his car, plays golf, and grows the best watermelons in the world,” Baker added.
The leadership skills learned in the military benefited Davis long after he left the Army. While working in the poultry industry, he developed a unique mentoring program. “I would recruit kids to become managers. We taught a leadership seminar, and I never had a kid come through the program that said, ‘It wasn’t worth the work.’”
Davis offered the following advice to younger generations: “What you learn and how you care for others can’t be bought.” He had additional advice to future military leaders. “Care for people, especially your men. Their home lives meant everything to me. I try to love everyone.” Lastly, Davis offered guidance for leading a happy and healthy life. “Stay busy, busy, busy. You don’t have time to think about what you’ve got to do next; you just do it. I work in my yard, make a garden, and do everything to stay active. I usually get up around 6 or 6:30 a.m. and go from there. I don’t eat as I should, but I eat in moderation. I don’t eat right, but I am healthy.”
Story by Mark Woodall