Larry Gene "Whiz" Davis

Larry Gene "Whiz" Davis, 72, of Manila, passed from this life Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at his home. Born Feb. 20, 1943, in Manila, he was the son of the late Joe and Sallie Cox Davis and attended Manila High School. As a teenager, Whiz wanted to learn bull riding, and under the guidance of his dear friend and mentor, Trigger Wall, he was able to participate in rodeos at an early age. He began flying at the age of 16 and flew as a commercial pilot for the Arkansas State Police before starting his own flying service in Manila. He was a well known area ag pilot for 38 years.

Larry Gene "Whiz" Davis

Following his retirement from flying, Whiz drove a school bus for Manila Public Schools and served as a constable for Big Lake Township. He served as a Manila city councilman, and as Manila Municipal Airport manager for 16 years. He was committed to the youth of Manila, as evidenced by his involvement in various athletic programs and city projects such as the Dunkin-Wall Water Park.

Whiz attended Westside Baptist Church and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Talmadge and Charles Davis, and two sisters, Jan Brock and Ruby Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Faye Polston Davis, of the home; one daughter, Dixie Terry, of Manila; and three grandchildren, Jace Elkins, Mary Oliver Coppedge and Jackson Coppedge.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Jeff Dial and Rev. Ray Dill officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers include Wayne Wagner, Donnie Wagner, Linda Donovan, Paul Graham, Ronnie Skaggs and Bennie Marr.

Friends may sign the online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com.