Van Reese Davis, 75, of Huntsville, Alabama suffered from chronic Parkinson’s disease and passed away on February 9, 2024.Van was born to LaVan and Sheila Davis, on February 19, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the oldest of seven siblings. He joined the Army after high school and was immediately deployed to the Vietnam War as a Combat Medic in the 4th Infantry Division. Van spent over 20 years in the Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class. During his years in the service, Van received the expert badge (m-16), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Service Ribbon, and NCO Meritorious Service Medal. He truly loved the military and was very proud of serving his country. After his service, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration and then worked as a Polysomnographer until he retired for the second time.
In 1998, Van met his future beloved wife Lucille in the Philippines along with her daughter Paula. In 2001, they became a family when Lucille and Paula moved to Alabama. Van liked the big outdoors where he enjoyed fishing and shooting. He also enjoyed playing bingo every now and then. Van absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He also had a great sense of humor and liked to crack jokes often. Van is utterly respected by his daughter who is very glad that he became her dad.
Van is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughter, Paula and son-in-law, Brandon, and their three children, Zavy, William, and Mikayla. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; his son, Cole; and his granddaughter, Taylor. Van was predeceased by his parents, his sister, and his son, Travis.
Aside from adoring his family, Van was always thinking of the well-being of his family and never his own. He also continuously supported and made donations for his country and fellow veterans. Aside from his grandchildren, he always talked about how serving the military was something that he was always proud of and would do all over again. He is dearly loved and will surely be missed.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, February 15, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and reception to follow the service until 1:00 p.m. This will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at 660 Gillespie Rd, Madison, AL 35758. A private burial will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any Veteran charity organization.
