Tillman Parks Davis

Tillman Parks (T.P.) Davis, 93, died February 25, 2015 in Fort Smith. He was born March 1, 1921 in Prescott, Arkansas to Eli and Mary Edna Davis. He was the owner of T.P. Davis Photography Studio and Bridal Salon, and one the oldest living member of the 188th Air National Guard and a member of Trinity Methodist Church of Muldrow Oklahoma. He was the loving husband of Virginia Davis for thirty-nine years, who preceded him in death June 23, 2013. They shared a lasting love that many wish they could have. T.P. and Virginia loved traveling together, visiting every state in the union. Sometimes they would get the car packed and take off, not knowing where they would end up. They did not worry about the destination only that they were together.

Many residents of Fort Smith remember having wedding, school and sports pictures taken by T.P. He and his studio were prominent figures in the Fort Smith community from the 1950s to the 1980s. T.P. pioneered the use of several unique photography printing techniques and business promotions.

CSMGT Tillman Parks Davis was instrumental in founding of the 184th Air National Guard Wing in Fort Smith Arkansas in July of 1953, which is now the 188th. He was a World War 2 and Korean War Veteran. He retired from the Arkansas Air National Guard in 1976. T.P. was a principled, godly man, who cared deeply for others. He was the recipient of Fort Smith Mayor Ray Bakers’ Good Neighbor Award. He was hard working and generous and will be deeply missed. He was a loving father to his only daughter, Gail Davis, who preceded him in death on September 14th, 2006. He is survived by his two step-sons, Jerry Noland of Melbourne, FL and Ricky and wife Terrie Noland of St. Augustine, FL; three grandchildren, Kelli & husband Jeff Nesseth, Bret Noland, and Jenna Noland; and two great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Davis, Mother Mary Edna Posey, Father Eli Davis, Stepfather Frank L. Posey, Brothers Clarence, Lester, Roy and Sisters Lilian Tackett and Myrtle O’Rourke and Olivia Davis. Funeral service will be Friday, March 6, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon from 4:30-6:00 PM. The family extends a special "Thank You" to the loving and caring hearts and hands of Steve, Connie, Barbara, Tonya, Temper, and Anita who took such good care of him in his final days. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society at 1200 West Walnut Street, Suite 2313 Rogers, AR 72756 or the Wounded Warriors Project. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com