Boyce R. Davis

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Obituary

Boyce Ray Davis, 78, a resident of Lincoln, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born May 29, 1938 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the son of Oliver Ray and Beulah Faye (Tucker) Davis.

Boyce practiced law in Lincoln for forty years. In 1972 he was an Arkansas Constitutional Convention Delegate. He was a past president and board member of the Lincoln Kiwanis Club and the Lincoln School Board. He was former Lincoln Mayor, City Attorney, Library Board member, choir director, Lincoln Leader newspaper owner and publisher of four newspapers. He penned a weekly column "On The Wry Side". He was in the Naval Reserve and a member of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and Arkansas Bar Association. He was instrumental in founding the Arkansas Apple Festival.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Joan E. Davis and one granddaughter, Holly Elizabeth Green.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Davis; three sons, Jeff Barnes of Lincoln, Scott Davis and wife Bridgett of Greenland and Berkley Davis and wife Gai of Franklin, TN, one daughter, Whitney L. Green and husband Derek of Fayetteville; one sister, Owanda Davis of Roswell, NM; one step daughter, Karen Barnes of Lincoln; three stepsons; Bobby Russell, Bo Jones, and Goy Jones. all of Lincoln, and thirteen grandchildren: Jennifer Huffmaster, Adam Barnes, Spencer Green, Tanner Green, Jordan Davis, Alexis Davis, Kelly Davis, Kassie Davis, MacKenzie Crews, Eli Davis, Hope Davis, Sawyer Davis, Tripp Davis; four great-grand children; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Luginbuel Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the Lincoln Middle School Library in memory of Boyce Davis.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Monday, January 9th, 2017, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Farmington, Arkansas. No graveside service will be held at the cemetery.

Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.

Funeral Service

Monday, January 09, 2017
10:00 am

Luginbuel Chapel. There will be no graveside services held.

Visitation

Sunday, January 08, 2017
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Final Resting Place

Highland Cemetery

General

Date of Birth: May 29, 1938

Date of Death: Jan 5, 2017

Age: 78

Documents

Memorial Folder

Tributes

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Scott and family: We were so sad to hear about your dad. Your father was such a highly respected man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Betty Colburn, Carol Steen & Kathy Gubitz - Friends

I first met Boyce when I was only 8 years old and he sang for my third grade class. I later sang in a choir he directed at the Mathodist Church. Our paths intertwined over the years-in fact, he and my husband graduated from law school on the same day. Boyce was a fine man and I know he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Lisa Norwood Gamber - Longtime friend.

Wilma, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. He was a sweet man. My sincere condolences.AIGUILLON

Jenevieve Barker - Friend

I got to know Boyce in 1974 when I started working for the Lincoln Leader. He was training the new owners from New York and I believe going to law school at the time. Some time later he became owner of the papers again and I worked for him for many, many years -- off and on for at least 40 years. I think of him as a Town Father for Lincoln. He was instrumental in paving the way for progress in the town -- he was mayor at one time and advised others who subsequently held that position; he helped form an early industrial park; he helped organize the chamber of commerce; he was one of the original organizers of the Arkansas Apple Festival. There are so many other things he influenced, but I'm afraid I may get the facts wrong. My heart is broken to know he is gone. I send heartfelt condolences to his family.

Julie Videtto - Friend

I echo Julie's sentiments. Boyce's contributions to Lincoln were immeasurable. I will never forget the day he walked into my office and said, "I want to buy the newspapers." A couple of months later, he (along with a partner) owned them. It was a pivotal point of my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Larry Jones - Friend

Dear Scott: My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. While I never met him in person, it was obvious from accounts of his activities that he excelled in at least two professions during his lifetime--journalism and the law--while most of us are happy to manage being proficient in just one field of endeavor. I am quite sure the professionalism and ethical conduct as a newspaper reporter you extended to me during our brief association several years ago is a direct result of what you learned from your father, and is a part of his lasting legacy of the high standards he set for himself and his children. --Doug Szenher

Doug Szenher - friend of family member

Boyce will be remembered by his colleagues as a great friend of the "people", the hard working folks we represent as our clients. All of his friends in the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association will miss his wisdom. God's Speed Boyce.

Steve Sharum - Law School Classmate

Scott, Whitney and Berkley: Your father’s numerous, impressive talents and accomplishments, along with his tremendous devotion to his church and community will certainly be long remembered by those who knew him. I’m thinking of all of you and your families at this time.

Roy Lee Jackson - Friend

Dear Scott and Family, Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time. Your Dad was greatly respected! I was so blessed to be apart of the newspaper family when I worked for your Dad. I always loved his great spirit of high notes singing to great old classic songs in the office. He is now singing in Heaven!

Patty Story - Friend

Scott I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. I always thought a lot of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God bless you during this difficult time.

Karen Combs Pritchard - Friend

Boyce was a man of many talents. He spent much of his life working for the benefit of the local community. Rainy and I are so sorry for Scott, Berkley, Whitney, and the grandkids loss. You all are in our prayers and know that God will give you strength, peace, healing, and understanding. God bless you all and RIP our friend Boyce.

Russ Laycox - friend

Scott and Family. I am deeply sadden by the passing of Boyce. He was a fine man and a gentleman.I am glad that i became friends with him and enjoyed practicing law with Boyce. He will be missed.

Steven Gunderson - Friend

So sorry to hear about Boyce. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Jana Pyeatte Moppin - Friend

So sorry to hear about Boyce we will be thinking and praying for your family

Chris and Pam Pyeatte - Friend

I have known Boyce nearly all my life. I attended Wiggins with him and Ray, Beulah, Bill and Dixie. I played the piano for a time while he directed the choir and he sang at my wedding. I can only imagine the Heavenly choir he is directing now and so many loved ones he is reunited with . God bless and comfort your family

Pat Watkins - friend

Boyce was a wonderful man in addition to being incredibly smart. Most people probably don't know what a vast knowledge of running a business he had. A few years ago he gave me some of the best advice anyone has ever given me about the business of law; lawyers must spend their time thinking instead of doing drafting, office tasks, etc. I'm sure there are hundreds of other lawyers out there who he mentored in similar ways.

Brock Showalter - Colleague

Wilma, I am so sorry! Love and prayers for you and your family! Julie Craig

Julie Craig - Friend

When I was 15 I went to work for an Abstract company and spent a lot of time in the courthouse. Boyce and I became friends. He taught me a lot. He treated me with respect even though I was a kid. I'm no kid now and I still remember how kind he was to me and answered every question I had. I know your family will miss him. You're all in my prayers.

Holly Jones - Friend

So sorry to hear of your loss. Boyce was such a driving force in our area and will be missed by all, but especially by his family. My prayers are with you.

Carla Martin Muruaga-Atkins - Friend

Scott and Family, Please accept our most sincere condolences in the loss of your father. Do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything that we can do.

Chris and Tiffany Daniels - Colleague

Wilma, we are so sorry for your loss. Having Boyce as a part of our family was truly a blessing. He was loved and will be missed. We will be praying for you and your family. May God wrap you in his tender arms and hold you tight.

Phyllis Cluck, Charolette Sisemore & Ryan Family - Family

So sorry for the loss of Boyce. You were always like family because of the lifetime friendship of our mothers. Sorry we were unable to attend the funeral. Love and prayers to each of the family members. Johnson sisters (Joyce, Loyce, Donna, & Helen)

Donna Grimsley - Friends

Scott and Family, I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I enjoyed working and visiting with him. He had a great sense of humor and wit. Although I have not seen him in a few years I always enjoyed him when I did. Sorry for our loss.

Barrett Harris - Friend

I just recently heard about the passing of Boyce and was indeed saddened. He took care of the affairs of his parents and of my dad's aunts and uncles - and, we are all grateful for that. He will be missed.

Oliver Davis - Cousin