Richard O. Davis

Richard O. Davis, Nov. 8, 1955 - May 27, 2018. Family and friends mourn the passing of Richard O. Davis on May 27, 2018. Memories of his kindness, caring, and sense of humor live on. Richard, known as Rick to his friends, was a loving husband, a good friend to many across the United States, and a revered leader in the criminal justice community. Rick was raised in Wyoming and went out on his own at an early age. Rick moved to Arizona in the 1970s. After completing a grueling basic training academy that a local newspaper described as a place where only the strong survive, he achieved his dream and became a sworn police officer. As an Arizona Peace Officer, he worked in the third largest city of the state serving as a patrol officer, supervisor, undercover narcotics officer, and as a member of the SWAT team among other assignments. His dangerous work during his assignments as a SWAT Sniper and as an undercover operations supervisor earned him numerous citations and commendations. After leaving Arizona and establishing a new home in Arkansas, he again entered law enforcement serving as a Lieutenant on the Malvern Police Department, an instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute, Highway Safety Manager at the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office, and as the Director at the Arkansas State Fusion Center. As Director of the Fusion Center, Rick worked at the highest levels with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies to protect our nation from threats foreign and domestic. He was a licensed pilot and served in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, Deputy Director Counter Drug Operations – Arkansas Wing. Rick held a Bachelor of Art's Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from Henderson State University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas. He completed the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Fusion Center Leaders Program. Rick had a rich personal history in addition to his remarkable professional achievements. He married the love of his life, Dr. Jill Summerford-Davis of Star City, Ark., on Oct. 30, 2010. They met when Jill attended motorcycle safety course that Rick was instructing. Rick was smitten by her immediately. Jill completed the course, and later married the teacher. They established their home together in Hot Springs National Park and have shared many happy memories over the years enjoying each other's company. His uplifting sense of humor endeared him to his friends, family, and acquaintances. Rick and Jill were members of a local running club called the Spa Pacers. At one marathon, Rick stopped at every water station to ask if he was winning, although he was in the middle of the pack, or perhaps even further back than that. Rick once, on a whim, applied to NASA to be an astronaut, but unfortunately, the Space Administration passed on the opportunity to hire one of its most promising candidates. Rick loved horses, dogs, and rural life and he often rode desert trails from the ranch he lived on in Arizona. Rick was the dedicated owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and went on many road trips, often with his police colleagues from Arizona, visiting numerous locations across the country. Although he was a 'tough as nails' problem solver, police officer, pilot, and leader, he was known best for his unwavering support and loyalty to his friends and his deep love and affection for his wife. Numerous stories have been shared since his passing about Rick showing up unexpectedly at hospitals to visit ill friends, Rick writing and calling friends in need offering his support and encouragement, and Rick taking the extra effort to stay in touch with an extensive personal and professional network throughout the years. His family, friends, and colleagues remember Rick as a man who always was there when he was needed, a loving husband, a trusted friend, and a patriotic American hero. Richard O. Davis is survived by his wife: Jill, his sisters: Marilyn Parks of Shingle Springs, Calif., Teri Davis of Cordes Lakes, Ariz., and Judy Reeves, Phoenix, Ariz., and his brother Ron Davis, of Austin, Texas. A celebration of Rick's life will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2018 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, Hot Springs, Ark. Guest register is www.caruth-hale.com.