Lieutenant Colonel Preston A. Davis, US Army (Ret)

Preston A. Davis, USA Ret.Preston Augustus Davis, Sr. 89, born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 1,1925, the youngest of the four children blessed in birth to Mattie and Charles A. Davis Sr. passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 7, 2014. He was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church and began an active role in the church and community affairs. He graduated on February 7, 1943 President of Booker T. Washington High School Class in Norfolk, Virginia. He left Norfolk and attended West Virginia State University with a major in Business Administration and R.O.T.C. training in 1949. He was inducted into the R.O.T.C. Hall of Fame and was the "Alumna of the Year" during their 1990 Centennial Year. He met and married Helen G. Davis of Norfolk, Virginia and from this union they had 4 children. Later he married Mary Elizabeth Pierson of Middleburg, Virginia. He was a family man and his family held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed traveling, meeting people, and he was an inspiration to all and formed many lasting friendships. A Master’s degree in Administration was earned at The George Washington University in 1974. His Development Training was received at Harvard and Dartmouth Universities. Preston was Vice-­President for Development at Morgan State University and founder of the Morgan State Foundation. He was African American Governor of Capitol District International. served as Governor of Capital District Kiwanis International. Preston began his career with the Federal Government in Norfolk, Virginia as Post Office Christmas help. Entering the Army as a recruit during World War II. He fought in Europe following the Normandy Invasion attaining the rank of Sargeant. Attending West Virginia State College and graduating with honors, he reentered the U.S. Army Artillery serving in combat in Korea (was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart) and Vietnam. Other service assignments included Command and Staff assignments to include: Assistant Professor Military Science (Morgan State University); Foreign Intelligence Office (Chief, Weapon Systems Division, Defense Foreign Intelligence Office) (Chief, Weapon Systems Division, Defense Foreign Science and Technology Center; Operations Analyst Vietnam (General Westmoreland and Abrams immediate staff); General Manager’s Office, Army Material Command, and Civil Disturbance City Planning Authority (North Central U.S.), Command Center Office of the Army Chief of Staff. Preston retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his support in connection with the Tuskegee Airman, a Bronze Star and 25 Combat Medals and ribbons during his military career. Civilian assignments include Vice President and General Manager of a Minority Manufacturing Business, D.C.; Head of Morgan State University’s Development Program (training received at Harvard, Dartsmouth, Hampton University, A&T University, University of Kansas and Wayne University in Detroit); Senior Management Analyst, USDA; Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (six years) USDA; Associate Director (SDBU), OAE. Preston has authored 3 professional publications, received numerous professional honors and is a member of many professional organizations which include Kiwanis International , Tuskegee Airman Association, Inc., Masonic Organization, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (60 year member), Disabled American Vets, American Legion Post 46, Agriculture Federal Credit Union (board member), Purple Heart Association, Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Soldier and Professional Clowns of America. Preston was preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Cartwright and his brother, Charles Davis, Jr. He leaves to mourn a loving and dedicated family who includes his three daughters, Gwendolyn Dyess of New Jersey, Karen (Fred) Heggs of North Carolina, June (Bill) Thornton of Maryland, his son, Preston Davis, Jr. who preceded him in death, and daughter-­in-­law, Michelle Davis of Florida ; his sister Alberta Davis Hobson of Virginia; his grandchildren, Stephen, Monique, Christopher, Kevin, Larry, Ashley, Tiara, and Preston III; 10 great grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of relatives and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lieutenant Colonel Preston A. Davis, US Army (Ret) please visit our Sympathy Store.