Obituary of Andrew Vernon "Vern" Davis, Jr.

Andrew Vernon “Vern” Davis, Jr., 82, of Tulsa, OK passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, surrounded by his family. Vern was born on December 27, 1940, in Washington D.C., to Andrew Vernon Davis and Teresa Clare Chadwick Davis. He was affectionally known as “Papa” by his four grandchildren.

Vern graduated from Mackin High School in Washington D.C and enlisted in the US Navy at age 17. He spent 4 years in the Navy, assigned to the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) at Bainbridge, MD, the Naval Station at Rota, Spain. He completed his tour at the University of South Carolina for 2 years as a Midshipman in the NROTC program. He enjoyed his summer cruise on the Destroyer USS Lowry, DD770, traveling from Norfolk to Jacksonville to New York and back to home port Norfolk.

Upon completing his service in the Navy, he traveled the country for several years until meeting his wife Dale, the love of his life. They settled in Livermore, California and built a wonderful life together raising their 3 children, Darin, Dean and Danyel. He worked in various construction management positions from estimating, construction and project management, office and field engineering. Vern finished his career in Procurement/Contract Administration with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California, retiring July 31, 2000.

At the age of 39, Vern enlisted in the California Army National Guard with the 2632nd Transportation Company. During the early part of his reserve service, he spent one year on active duty as an Army Recruiter before transferring to the Army Reserve, taking a position as an instructor with the 6237 USARF School in Dublin, Ca., a position he held for 15 years. His primary assignment at the school was teaching defensive combat tactics to non-combat troops. He did this for 8 years. His hard work earned him the position of Battle Focus Instructor Trainer/ Instructor Evaluator for the last 7 years of his enlistment. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8) and completed his 26-year military service in the Army Reserve.

In 2005 he and Dale moved to Tulsa to begin their life of retirement and enjoy their grandchildren. In Tulsa he met many new friends and enjoyed occasional lunches, travel, golf and gun show ventures. Vern (Papa) had a love of reading and history. He was often referred to as a walking encyclopedia for his kids and grandkids, always teaching with his photographic memory. He was a man of very few words, but when he spoke his words were important. Service to his country and his love of family were his finest achievements.

Vern leaves behind his wife of 52 years Dale Fenton Davis, sons Darin Dixon Davis and wife Lisa of Albuquerque, NM, Dean Fenton Davis of Broken Arrow, OK, and daughter Danyel Davis Cousins and husband Grant of Tulsa, OK. Grandchildren Lauren and Grace Cousins of Tulsa, OK, and Kayla and Cole Davis of Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his brothers, William Edgar Davis, (Henderson, NV), James Michael Davis (Burke, Va), Joseph Russell Davis (Pawleys Island, SC) Thomas Edward Davis (Hop Bottom, PA) and sister Patricia Ann Davis (Ft Pierce, FL).

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at Ninde Funeral Home, Brookside location on November 20th at 1pm. Friends and Neighbors are invited to celebrate and rejoice in his life of service.

Ninde Brookside | 918-742-5556 | www.ninde.com