Levi worked from his early years picking cotton with his parents as they traveled from farm to farm. He also hauled hay and did other odd jobs during his youth. He was never without a job. He graduated from DeQueen High School in 1963 and went on to earn both a Bachelor Degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Wildlife Management from Louisiana Tech University. His college years were interrupted when he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an E4 Specialist in the 266th Chemical Division of the U.S. Army. He was proud of his time in the military and was especially proud of his time in Vietnam. Levi loved this country and took an active role in politics. Many in Drew County will remember his frequent, spirited letters to the Editor of the Advance Montecellonian expressing his views on some political candidate or issue.
To say Levi loved his family and friends is a gross understatement. They were his world. He was married to Linda Kupper Davis from May 31, 1969, until the day he passed away. He was an extremely proud and loving father and grandfather. He loved to travel and took his wife and children on countless trips exploring the United States, particularly the western states and Alaska. He hunted and fished with his children whenever he had a chance and taught them the love he had for wildlife and nature. Above all else, he was a loyal, dedicated husband, father, and friend. He will be remembered as a strong, honest man whose word was his bond and whose integrity and character were some of his highest qualities.
In addition to his parents, Levi and Vivian Davis, he is preceded in death by his sister, Novadean Davis Shelton.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Kupper Davis; his son, Ward Davis and wife Natalie Hale Davis, their three daughters, Amelia Davis, Vivian Davis, and Henley Lakes; his daughter, Susan Davis Phillips and husband Gregory Phillips and their two daughters, Karlie Phillips and Kinzie Phillips; a sister, Imajean Packnett; as well as a host of other family and friends.
A visitation in Monticello will be held at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. A visitation in De Queen will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Graveside Services will be Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in Chapel Hill Cemetery in De Queen.
Memorials may be made to:
CARTI Foundation
P.O. Box 55011
Little Rock, AR 72215
Your Voice Through Cancer
https://www.facebook.com/YVTChays/
Operation Song
PO Box 121746
Nashville, TN 37212-1746
https://www.operationsong.org/
Please sign Levi's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com
Condolences(13)
Jason Camden
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 29, 2022 Mr. Levi was one of a kind. I remember hanging out there in high school with Ward, watching Reba sing "Please Come to Boston", and laughing to his funny stories. I'm sure I owe you for many Mug Root Beers. Mr. Levi was a true class act, and we are praying for your family. Still a charter member of the WD fan club!Fred and Joan Ward
Mountain View,, AR Wednesday, December 28, 2022 Levi was a very good friend. We both worked for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He was great biologist. I can still recall the very lively conversations we had over coffee and dinner about problems that needed to be addressedBeth Davis
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 28, 2022 Ward,So sorry to hear about your dad. Your family will be in my prayers.
Lois Simpson
Conway, AR Tuesday, December 27, 2022 I haven't seen Levi since I was a teenager. I was friends with Imogean and Novadean. Over the years I have enjoyed reading his posts on Facebook. I know he will be missed by his family and so many friends. Prayers during this difficult time.Jessie Cooley Chappell
. Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 27, 2022 So sorry for your loss. My mom loved Levi and your whole family. She loved to tell me about the stories Levi would tell her. I'm so glad I got to know the both of you at the Farmers Market. I looked forward to visiting y'all's booth each Saturday. God bless you and comfort you.Jessie Cooley Chappell
Brad & Lori Tripp
Altus, OK Monday, December 26, 2022 We are so sorry to learn about the loss of Levi. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.Mary Lasrter
Wilmar, AR Monday, December 26, 2022 Linda, Susan, Ward and families, I am so sorry to see where Levi has passed away. I knew he wasn't doing good but did not know of his passing until just now. Please accept my deepest sympathy.Janie & Larry Fuller
Haymarket, VA Monday, December 26, 2022 Linda, Susan, Ward, & Grandkids,We are so very sorry Levi has departed. We know our Lord Jesus reserved a special place in Heaven for him.
We will sorely miss Levi’s subtle humor & teasing. He was a good man you could always depend on & rest assured he meant what he said. His scientific knowledge of wildlife was so intense-yet he could explain it to a novice like me. Levi was always happy & so pleasing to be with. We loved visiting with you all & will miss Levi, our good friend! He was always so proud of his loving Family.
Betty and Ronnie Phillips
Benton, AR Monday, December 26, 2022 Our hearts are sadden by the loss of Levi. He was a great guy in every way. Loved his family. His country and the Lord. He fought a valiant battle. Gods grace be with you all. Much love to our DIL, Susan and all his family.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Monday, December 26, 2022 Dear Linda and family, I am sorry for your great loss. You all have my sympathy and prayers at this sad time!James Gracey
Patterson, MO Monday, December 26, 2022 So sorry for your loss, Levi was the first real supervisor I had in my career. He taught me more than how to do my job, he taught me how to succeed at life. He was a tough man to please he wanted things done right. He also had a kind side. My years working with him prepared me for my next career move. I owed him a lot. He was always teaching us employees. He found humor in many things, and his laugh was loud and contagious.The world lost a great man, but Linda, ward and Susan lost a strong pillar of their lives. He is very proud of all of you. God Bless and Comfort you
James Gracey
James Pierce
Washington, PA Monday, December 26, 2022 We are so sorry for your loss, but we find comfort knowing Levi’s suffering is over. We are so happy to have had the chance to meet him and get to know him even if it was for a brief period. There seems like an endless supply of “Levi stories” to continue to make us all laugh and cry.Love to you all,
The Pierce’s
James Pier
Pittsburgh, PA Monday, December 26, 2022 We are so sorry for your loss and are so happy we had the opportunity to meet and get to know Levi even if it was for a brief time. He was an extraordinary individual and it seems there is and endless supply of “Levi” stories that can you leave you in both laughter and tears. We take comfort knowing his suffering is over and celebrate his many accomplishments among which is his incredible family. Love you all,The Pierce’s