Melvin Reid Davis Jr, born November 9, 1927 to Dr. Melvin Reid Davis and Freda Davis, passed away July 6, 2018, age 90 in Riverside, CA. He was born in Chicago, IL but raised in Culpepper, VA and Washington, DC by Elijah “Doc” Barber and Melvin’s Uncle, Dr. Raymond Davis respectively. He was a child of the Great Depression and carried that mentality his entire life.
Mel graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. School of Pharmacy with degrees in Biology and Chemistry in 1952. Mel’s step-father, Langston Hughes Caldwell (Lt. Col. USA, Ret.) a Tuskegee Airman, encouraged Mel to pursue a military life and Mel accepted his commission as a 2nd Lt. USAF in Dec. 1952.
While stationed at Barksdale, AFB, LA., Mel found himself in the St. Augustine Catholic Church along the Cane River, LA. where he met his future bride, Delphine Balthazar. Married in 1955, they began a 49 year marriage that eventually took them to March AFB, Riverside, CA in 1969. After 20 years as a Navigator aboard KC-135’s refueling aircraft across the globe, including B-52’s, F-4’s, F-105’s, and a host of other aircraft including his personal favorite; the SR-71. Lt. Col. Mel Davis retired in 1972 and in 1975 began his 2nd career as a Pharmacist for Kaiser Hospital. From the early ‘60’s thru the ‘70’s, when available, Mel was quick to take the family on boating, camping, and fishing outings. In the mid ‘60’s he began to explore Baja and the Sea of Cortez which began 40 years of adventure; he was going, coming from, or planning his next fishing trip to Mexico.
Mel led a full life and is survived by his brother and fellow pharmacist, Reid Davis (Marvel), their sons, Matt, Michael, and Mark Davis. Mel and Del had sons, Mark Stephen Davis, Michael Lance Davis (Diana); Grandsons, Kyle S. Davis (Captain, USAF); Nicholas J. Davis (Captain, USAF); Michael Reid Davis, Andrew S. Davis, Benjamin C. Davis and Granddaughter, April S. Davis. He was patriarch to the Davis family and Uncle to: Laney and Chris Sylvie (Lt. Col. USA, Ret.); Alva Jean Balthazar, John and Deborah Balthazar.
Mel had a passion for learning, education, fishing, dogs, wine, Jack Daniels, and a good argument. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, July 25, 2018 at 11:31am with a Celebration of Life to follow at the home of Mark S. Davis in Corona. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
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