Thomas Melvin Davis Sr.

Former Deputy Chief of Police, Prince Georges County Maryland

Of Bowie Maryland, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 22, 2017 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Col. Davis, or the Chief, as he was known to family, friends and colleagues, was born in Georgetown, South Carolina on December 22, 1929, the seventh of 10 children to James and Louise (Geathers) Davis.

He attended segregated Georgetown Public Schools and graduated salutatorian from Howard High School in 1949, and his future wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Thompson, also graduated the same year as the class’ valedictorian. Upon graduation, he was accepted at South Carolina State College, where he majored in chemistry. After college graduation, he both married his sweetheart, and accepted a commission in the United States Army as a 2nd lieutenant.

Lieutenant Davis embarked upon a 21 year military career, which took him and his growing family to the corners of the world with tours in Korea, Vietnam, Germany and all across the continental United States. As a distinguished combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster among other awards. Upon conclusion of his military career, he settled the family in Bowie and began his civilian career.

In 1981, he was selected by then County Executive Lawrence Hogan to become Prince George’s County’s First African American Deputy Chief of Police. His responsibilities and tasks amongst other things, was to increase minority representation within the police ranks – a task which he did accomplish. Chief Davis departed the Prince Georges County Police Department in 1985, and embarked upon a number of ventures: first as a retail store owner in Deale, MD and eventually settling down with the State of Maryland as a Training Resource officer from which he retired for the last time in 2004.

He enjoyed his retirement as an avid golfer, card player and spending time with his family and friends, especially his little grandson, Jamesen . He was always available for offerings of wit and wisdom as well. He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Thompson Davis, and a daughter, Thometia Davis Adams. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, two sons, Thomas Jr., of Bowie, and Alan Stefan Davis of Fort Washington, MD; one daughter, Gerri Louise Davis of Bowie; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until time of service 11 a.m. at Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 910 Addison Road South, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035.