James “Ben” Davis, Jr., 87, died peacefully on August 27, 2020 in Huntsville. Ben Was born in Stevenson, AL on November 29, 1932. After WWII, the family moved to Troy, AL. Ben was a veteran of the Korean War. Ben and Jean met at Troy University and were married in 1957. He graduated from Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He started his career at Thiokol Chemical Corporation in Huntsville in 1958. He continued his career at Brown Engineering and subsequently with the Unites States Government Department of Defense Army Missile Command.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James B. Davis, Sr. and Jacqueline M. Davis. He is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Davis; sons, James B. “Ben” Davis III (Susan), Russell “Russ” S. Davis (Angie), and J. Christopher “Chris” Davis (Laura); grandchildren, Wes Davis (Emily), Mary Beth Davis, Grace Davis, Jack Davis, Will Davis, Kenley Davis and Pajia Zipper; and great-granddaughter, Madeline Davis.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, September 4th at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately following in the chapel. Burial will be in Stevenson City Cemetery, Stevenson, AL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the EAGLES Program at Auburn University for young adults with intellectual disabilities. (The Eagles Foundation, 648 Monticello Court, Auburn, AL 36830, attn: Katie Basden, www.theeaglesfoundation.org)
Ben’s granddaughter, Grace, is a student in this program.
