U.S. Army vet to celebrate 91st birthday

Aug. 29—THOMASVILLE- Colonel Gene C. Davis, retired U.S. Army, will celebrate his 91st birthday on September 1st. As he reflects on turning 91, Davis recalled some of life's most memorable moments, along with the numerous changes he has seen growing up.

Davis was born and raised in Carthage, Tennessee. At age 12, he served as a Page in the U.S. House of Representatives at the invitation of then-congressman Albert Gore, Sr.

Davis said this experience gave him a unique view of history. During his time as a Page, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died and President Harry Truman took office on April 12, 1945. Davis said he watched on April 14, 1945 as President Roosevelt's coffin was brought by caisson in a military parade on Constitution Avenue to lie in repose in the East Room of the White House.

After returning home as a Page boy, Davis worked for his father, helping wire rural homes in Tennessee for electricity.

Improvements in communication via satellites, the Internet and cell phones are some of the biggest improvements Davis said he has seen throughout his lifetime.

After graduating high school, Davis attended Tennessee Tech, where he graduated, before entering the U.S. Army Signal Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant. He retired in 1981 after serving in the Vietnam War, one tour of duty in Korea, two tours in Germany and two tours in Washington at the Pentagon, among other assignments.

Upon retirement, Davis moved to Thomasville in 1982. He has since enjoyed big game hunting, fishing, reading and numerous other actives.

He said he believes it is vital to stay active and positive. His wife, Katherine said he easily exemplifies all the qualities he preaches and is one of the most amazing people she knows, who deserves to be celebrated as he turns 91.