Thomas Woodrow Davis, Jr.

Thomas Woodrow Davis Jr, age 86, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his home on Chena Hot Springs Road in Fairbanks Alaska.  

Tom was born on April 8, 1938, in Saluda, SC to Thomas W Davis and Thelma Elizabeth (Burnett) Davis. Everyone knew him as “Buddy”. He attended Saluda HS.

Tom joined the Army in 1956 and spent over 21 years on active duty as a helicopter pilot with the 182 Aviation and the 172 Infantry Brigade 1st Air Cavalry. Tom served 2 tours in Vietnam in 1966/67 and 1970/71 as a medevac pilot. He was also a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, AL. 

Tom married Glenda Carol Sloane in 1958 in Claysville, PA.  They raised 4 boys while being stationed around the US.  They returned to their favorite home, Fairbanks, in 1977 where  Tom retired as a CW3 from Ft WW. 

1977 – 1994 Tom worked as a fixed-wing and helicopter pilot for the Alyeska Pipeline, Air Logistics, and the Alaska State Troopers.  Tom had many exciting experiences as a member of the AK State Trooper Search and Emergency Rescue Team (SERT). The neighbors at 21-mile CHSR always knew when Tom was on call because the trooper helicopter was in the yard. 

Everyone was always welcome to their home, family from the lower 48, friends, and even people Tom had rescued. The family loved the outdoors and spent a lifetime exploring Alaska. 

Tom was preceded in death by Glenda.

He is survived by his sons Tommy (Barbara) Davis of Saluda SC, Victor (Ann) Davis of Fairbanks AK, Kevin Davis of Honolulu HI, and Shaun (Analiza) Davis of Anchorage AK grandchildren Chris Davis, Christy (Tyler) Walker of Saluda SC, Kayla (Andrew) Henry of Liberty SC, Mamie (Jonathan) Gonzalez of LaCrosse WI, Stiehl Davis of Fairbanks AK, Austin Davis of Fairbanks AK, and Tessa Davis (Michael Kenison) of Rochester MN, great-grandchildren Lexi and Brianna and sister Deborah Ann Green of Greenville SC.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Claysville United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 am. Inurnment to follow at Claysville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Thomas Woodrow Davis Jr, CW3 to your local VFW. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 219 Main Street Claysville, PA 15323. (724) 663-7373 www.youngfhinc.com 

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