Lloyd Davis

Lloyd Gary Davis (78) was born in Sedalia, Missouri, to Charles and Dorothy Davis. His father, Charles, had recently returned from service in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. The family first settled in Sedalia and later moved to Columbia, Missouri, where Lloyd grew up.

Lloyd graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and later the University of Missouri with a degree in Accounting. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War . Following his military service, he returned home and began building both his career and his family life in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked for several years at Peat Marwick, an international accounting firm, before accepting an opportunity with the rapidly growing Baldor Electric Company (now ABB). That move brought him to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he would spend the remainder of his professional career.

At Baldor Electric, Lloyd held numerous leadership roles, including Director of Tax and Treasury, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and ultimately Executive VP and Chief Operations Officer. Lloyd was a practical and stoic man, but he never failed to recognize humor in any situation. He was tough but fair, and possessed an unrelenting work ethic and integrity. Despite his career success, always considered himself working-class —and strongly identified with the Creedence Clearwater Revival song “Fortunate Son.”

Baseball was Lloyd’s great passion. He often said he loved every level of the game, from children’s leagues to college baseball to the major leagues. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, he also proudly adopted the Arkansas Razorbacks after moving to the state. His sons fondly remember countless hours spent throwing a baseball with him in the yard. Lloyd never missed his children’s sporting events and even grew to appreciate gymnastics when his daughter competed.

There was never a time that Lloyd did not have at least one dog by his side. Over the years he owned boxers, rottweilers, English mastiffs, bulldogs and mutts.

In retirement, Lloyd discovered a love for cabinet making and, with the help of his wife Christine—and, at times, some reluctant children—completed two major home renovations. His later years were filled with travel baseball and lake time, always with a baseball game playing in the background.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his father, Charles; his mother, Dorothy; and his brother, Kenneth Davis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Christine; his sons Charles Lloyd Davis II, Seth Davis, Ryan Davis, and Max Davis; his daughter, Katie Davis; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Lloyd would appreciate the quiet irony that a lifelong tax man departed on April 15.