Billy Davis (Arizona politician)
Billy Wayne Davis, also known as Bill Davis,[2] is a land developer in the Bahamas, and was an Arizona State Senator in the 1980s. The Davis Family has donated money for education.[3]
Contents
Biography
Early life
Billy Davis was born in Athens, Alabama on May 7, 1945. Billy grew up and went to school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Billy's dad died on February 16, 1956 when Billy was eleven years old. The family struggled with the only income coming from Billy's mom's work. He is of Welsh, English, Irish and Cherokee Indian decent on his father's side and his mother's people were from Switzerland.
Billy Davis married Billie J. Johnson on May 4, 1963 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[4] Billy and Billie have three grown children and five grandchildren; the couple lives in Kennesaw, Georgia.[3]
"Looking back over the years they had been together, the up's and down's; for better or worse; for richer or poorer, they had always been a couple.
Strangest of all is that beyond their love for one another there has always been the total opposites of their characters and beyond the children, grandchildren and daily living they have totally different ideas and very different opinions, about almost everything.
He watched her from his kitchen window as she walked around her back yard. He never realized that his new home would have such a lovely neighbor.
Beautiful, that's how he saw her. She had not seen him. Her sisters were younger and they were playing, she, as she always would, stood looking at the yard, walking among the flowers. She was petite, with brown eyes, long blonde hair, slightly curly. She was dressed in a neat trim pants suit. Her figure was magazine perfect, well developed above her waist. He watched with the curtains slightly parted, obscured by the darkness of the room. The two other girls were playing childly games but she was like a posing flora photograph that moved gracefully around the yard, not sexually but with the appearance of grace and poise looking at the fascination of nature.
Something in him knew, from that first long look, she would be the one. All thoughts of any other perceived love or relationship he might have thought he had disappeared, with that first glimpse at Billie."
Military career
Billy served four years in the U.S. Navy and two years in the Navy Reserves from 1963 to 1969, two of which were in Vietnam. By 1963 the war with Vietnam and the draft that would probably take Billy to war caused Billy to join the U.S. Navy; the Navy turned him from a boy to a man. Billy Davis earned the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal (with Device), The Vietnam Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars) and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and numbers of Letters of Commendations.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
- It’s still with him
“I had my moments when I got very frightened that I would not recover.” - Fran Drescher
Excerpt from Personal Reflections
“Leaving the office of his doctor, he noticed that he now was having problems with the simplest things like turning the ignition and putting the gear shift into position. He drove to the neurologist office with great difficulty. With all his strength he managed to get the auto parked, then slowly climbed the half dozen steps to the office. The waiting room was full but he was taken directly to one of the examination rooms. His family doctor had already called to explain his findings and what he believed was wrong with Billy.
Two nurses came into the room with him, assisting with his walk from the front office. Billy would reflect later that the waiting room was full of patients but that the nurses were waiting to take him straight back.
The nurses took his vital signs and moments later the neurologist arrived. Checking him briefly the doctor then advised him to lie on a mat on the floor. He eased down on the mat only to be told to get back up. He was unable to stand without help. The doctor then told him to go across the street to the hospital and check in, he would phone and make the arrangements.
Billy advised the doctor that he needed to call his wife. He dialed the number, and explained to Billie what the doctor had said. She wished to speak to the doctor herself and he handed the phone to the specialist. She asks if the hospital stay could wait until after this coming Thursday, Thanksgiving and explained that the family was planning a trip to her mother's in Chattanooga. "Mrs. Davis, I'll come right to the point, if we do not act now, your husband may not be alive by Thursday." Guillain-Barré syndrome "A condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Very rare; Fewer than 20K US cases per year."
Political career
Billy served two terms in the Arizona State Senate[5] from January 3, 1983 through January 6, 1987 for the 19th district, Phoenix, Arizona.
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Senator Billy Davis Second Senate Election Brochure with Capital in the background
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Senator Davis and Tractor Worker
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Senator Billy Davis Second Senate Election at office desk
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Senator Billy Davis at Sun City Breakfast Club
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Senate Re-Elect Billy Davis AZ Brochure pg 4.jpg
Senator Davis Second Election
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Senator Billy Davis and Others at Sun City Breakfast Club
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Senate Re-Elect Billy Davis AZ Brochure pg 2.jpg
Senator Davis Second Election multi pictures
State Senate Assignments
The Arizona Vietnam Memorial.[2] As a Vietnam Veteran Senator Billy Davis spent over two years raising money and serving on committees to erect the Arizona Vietnam Memorial at the State Capital in Phoenix, Arizona, of which there is an engraved plaque on display at the Memorial. Senator Davis was one of the twelve members to take the Arizona Vietnam Memorial from an idea to reality, at the State Capital in Phoenix.
General William Westmoreland was with Senator Billy Davis at the Dedication of The Arizona Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 9, 1985.
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Plaque of Committee Members who made the Arizona Vietnam Veteran Memorial a reality.jpg
Plaque of Committee Members, as authorized by the Arizona State Legislature: Chapter 2B1, 1984.
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Vietnam Memorial Phoenix Arizona at the Capital.jpg
The Arizona Vietnam Memorial was dedicated at the Capital in Phoenix on November 9, 1985.
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Vietnam Memorial Phoenix Arizona at the Capital in the Wesley Bolin Park.jpg
The Arizona Vietnam Memorial was dedicated at the Capital in Phoenix on November 9, 1985.
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Vietnam Memorial Phoenix.jpg
Vietnam Memorial Phoenix with flowers.
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Arizona Vietnam Veteran Sculpture by Jasper D'Ambrosi.jpg
This Sculpture was one of the last created by Artist Jasper D'Ambrosi.
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The Fallen Warrior
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The names of the Heroes
Committee Assignment
Senator Davis did a Filibuster in the Senate until the Senate Leadership promised to hold a Special Session to address allowing a new hospital to be constructed in Sun City West, Arizona. The Senator persuaded Mickey Mantle to come and help Lobby for the building of the Del Webb Memorial Hospital. Mickey Mantle (ballplayer) and Del Webb (team owner) were both part of the New York Yankees. Senator Davis served on the committees to build the Del Webb Memorial Hospital. Time and growth of greater Phoenix has proved out that the hospital has been greatly beneficial to the Sun Cities and west Phoenix.
Good Will Mission
The President of the Arizona Senate sent Senator Davis on a Good Will Mission to the Republic of China, Taiwan. Senator Davis and numbers of other State and Federal representatives met with a host of Political and Members of Government while in Taiwan, such as - Raymond R.M. Tai Deputy Director-General Executive Yuan Taipei, Taiwan, Lu, Kuang Pu Secretary General Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Kao Yu-jen, Speaker of the House Provincial Assembly, Raymond R.M. Tai Deputy Director-General Executive Yuan Taipei, Taiwan, Governor Chuang-Huan Chiu Taiwan Provincial Government, Republic of China, The United States Representatives were traveled all over the country.
Arriving in Taipei, Taiwan Senator Davis and wife Billie, along with other states representatives and U.S. Congressmen were taken to the Grand Hotel. The Grand is one of the finest hotels in the world. They were checked into a suite, specifically arranged for their comfort. The welcome flowers, fruit, bathrobes and other items were a delight. While visiting Taipei, they were invited to dine with the countries leaders, visit government offices and tour the city. Bill and Billie traveled throughout the country of Taiwan, visiting historical sites and cites. The modern cities are unparalleled in most countries. The followers of Chiang Kai-shek have constructed a country that far exceeds most countries of this size.
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Taiwan Director General Raymond Tai in Taipei Taiwan
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Director General Raymond Tai in Taipei Taiwan.
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Senator Billy Davis in Taiwan with Lu, Kuang Pu Secretary General Kaohsiung.jpg
Secretary General Lu Kuang Pu in Taipei Taiwan.
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Senator Billy Davis and wife Billie and Governor Chuang-Huan Chiu Taiwan Provincial Government.jpg
This picture was taken at a reception given by Governor Chuang-Huan Chiu Taiwan Provincial Government.
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Senator and Mrs. Davis in Taiwan with Kao Yu-jen Speaker Of The House Provincial Assembly.jpg
Dinner given by Kao Yu-jen Speaker Of The House Provincial Assembly in Taipei Taiwan.
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Senator and Billie inside the National Palace Museum Taipei Taiwan.
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Senator Bill and Billie inside the National Palace Museum Taipei Taiwan.
Special Assignments
Mr. Davis has been invited to several African Countries, meeting with Heads of State and Tribal Chieftains. Traveling throughout the country of Togo, West Africa and other West Africa nations; He has visited Presidential Palaces and spent nights in the bush. He worked with the transition of the Republic of Togo from a Dictatorial Government to Democratic Free Elections at the request of the Togolese President.
Mr. Davis met with President Gnassingbe Eyadema a number of times and with Prime Minister Joseph Koukou Koffigoh, meetings with Tribal Chief’s and with Industrial Minister Payadowa Boukpessi at Press Conference. Mr. Davis was invited to attend the inauguration of President Gnassingbe Eyadema, the first elected President of Togo under Democratic free Elections. Under President Gnassingbe Eyadema Lome Togo is a Free Trade Zone Country.
Before reaching the Republic of Togo former Senator Davis spent a couple of day in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) West Africa at the Presidential Palace of President Felix Houphouet-Boigny. KLM landed in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) West Africa on schedule.
The busy port city, located on the Gulf of Guinea has one of the busiest airports in West Africa. After spending the night at the Sofitel, he stopped by the Embassy and then rented a car and drove to the capital city, Yamoussoukro, about three hours away.
The palace sets on approximately two hundred acres in the mist of trees and flowers and greenery. The grounds are surrounded by a moat with one causeway for access to the palace. The moat was filled with hundreds of crocodiles, perhaps thousands. They were fed daily by the palace guards; they were also very much a living breathing security system. The causeway across the moat was about four hundred yards to the gated entrance to the palace grounds; on either side was a golden sculptured lion.
Four men were in the library waiting, three were dressed in traditional African clothes and one in a western style business suit who looked like a banker or an attorney. He was introduced as a minister from Côte d'Ivoire. Billy learned that the three other gentlemen were all chiefs from different tribes. He spoke to each, warmly shaking hands and learned that they were also from different West African countries, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo; he later would learn that the tribe families crossed country borders.
About that time the chief from Ghana walked up placing his finger squarely in the center of Ghana on the map. In clear British English he began to explain that his tribe was located in both Ghana and Togo and those families were divided. Those living in Ghana believed that western Togo should be in Ghana and those in Togo wanted to remain as they were. Both Togo and Ghana were going through changes in government and with their leaders. Until this conflict was settled, lives would continue to be lost and families would be divided.
The chief explained some of the history of Ghana and Togo. All three of the chiefs were standing in a group talking among themselves in French. He only knew a few words, but enough to understand that the French speaking chiefs were explaining different comments that they wanted the English speaking chieftain to explain.
One of the Chief's I called "Chief Joe" said, "I have explained that once years ago that you had met President Eyadema and that also the President had visited Atlanta, Georgia." I have also told them that you are here for the public purpose of looking at business possibilities for Togo and U.S. businesses. We also agree that there should not be a public display for any political references made by you about Togo and the upcoming election."
"Since former U.S. Jimmy Carter is involved in the monitoring of the election process, that should be enough for the Togolese people to realize that the United States is pleased and backing the Multiparty Free Elections."
"Bill, we all agree that your trip should be classified as a goodwill tour of the country. You will be invited to visit the towns and villages, meet the people and their chiefs. You will also be invited to meet with chiefs from many tribes and countries at their annual meeting in Togo."
In Paris he had been ask to meet with the chiefs and their people in backing President Eyadema in his bid for his election in the new multiparty elections.
The President's new government would open many doors for financial growth from Europe and the United States. The World Bank was in Togo at that time to reevaluate Togo for additional loans. One of the projects the President desired most was to have constructed a new power source in Togo on the Mono River. With a new power generating plant he would no longer have to depend on power supplied by Ghana from the Akosombo Dam on Lake Volta.
Some history of the Ivory Coast. The current President is Houphouet-Boigny, and he was in his seventh five-year term; he had served his country since 1944.
"Felix Houphouet-Boigny had been a Baule Chief and farmer, he was also a doctor. He founded a union of African farmers and organized them into a union and this union became the first major African political party. The inter-territorial African Democratic Rally and its constituent section, the Ivory Coast Democratic Party were both led by Houphouet-Boigny."
"Tension flared into violence in 1949 when the French administration opposed the party. The next year he reversed his policy and began to cooperate with the French. The Ivory Coast was proclaimed a republic within the French Community on December 4, 1958. He became Premier in 1959 after the National elections; then elected President in November 1960, following the achievement of full Independence on August 7 of that year."
He interrupted to ask about the city, the modern buildings, the resort hotel, and golf course and especially the magnificent church adjacent to the palace grounds.
It was explained, "That during the late 1980's that the aging President sponsored many grandiose building projects, most of them in Yamossoukro. In October 1990, the President won his seventh five year term in the country's freest election since Independence."
"The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro dominates from every point in the city of Yamoussoukro, one of the most unlikely capitals in the world. The Cathedral is the largest in the world, a few metres higher than its example in Rome. President Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Cote d'Ivoire had the cathedral built 20 years ago in his birthplace that he had made capital of the country. Twenty years later Abidjan remains the economical and political capital of the country though."
(The President would die in December 1993, Henri Konan Bedie, President of the National Assemble, would succeed him as Head of State. The funeral would last for one month and draw Heads of State from Africa and leaders from around the world, Bill would also return at this time.)
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Yamoussoukro downtown.jpg
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro dominates from every point in the city of Yamoussoukro, one of the most unlikely capitals in the world.
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The Crocodiles in the Moat at the Presidential Palace in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
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Sofitel Pullman Abidjan.jpg
Sofitel Pullman Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
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Chateau Vial in Togo.jpeg
A Castle constructed by Germany when Togo was under its control
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Billy visited the Chiefs who represented the tribes that crossed the border between Togo and Ghana
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Billy traveled with three Mercedes; one in front and one behind the car Billy used. The men and women in the cars were armed
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Togo Trip 2.jpg
Billy with a local Togolese beauty; he was requested to be a judge of several beautiful girls.
The Gift of Giving
Hurricane Floyd devastated Abaco Island on September 14, 1999 - The Davis Family caused a fully equipped ambulance to be donated by AMR of Marietta, Georgia to the island of Abaco, The Bahamas after Hurricane Floyd devastated the island on September 14, 1999.[6] The Davis family and friends donated medical supplies, clothing and even computers for the schools.
The Abaconian, a local newspaper on the island of Abaco, The Bahamas stated "Ambulance Is Donated" on October 10, 1999. The newspaper stated -
"On October 10 Mr. and Mrs. Billy Davis presented the keys of an ambulance to a representative of the Ministry of Health. The American Medical Response company, the largest ambulance service company of the United States, donated a fully loaded ambulance to the Ministry for servicing the Cooper's Town area. The keys to the ambulance were received by Nurse Cornish of the Cooper's Town Government Clinic, The Davises are long time visitors to Abaco who are presently building a second home just south of Fire Road. The house was badly damaged by Hurricane Floyd. However, they arranged for the donation from the American Medical Response unit in Kennesaw, Georgia. The company there loaded the ambulance with medical equipment and supplies and included clothes, food and baby food. The Marietta Daily Journal ran a story about AMR (American Medical Response) and the Davis Family. [3]
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AMR Ambulance company donated a fully equipped vehicle at the request of the Davis Family to the Island of Abaco.
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AMR Ambulance Interior.jpg
AMR Ambulance Interior as was donated to Abaco Island Bahamas.
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Bill and Billie Davis delivers and ambulance to Abaco Bahamas after Hurricane Floyd September 1999.jpg
The Ambulance was delivered and presented by Mr. and Mrs. Billy Davis of Kennesaw, Georgia.
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The Ambulance was shipped to The Bahamas. The Couple followed it to Abaco and donated it to the island people.
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A group of American Visitors donated money to purchase Christmas Gifts for the Children of the Island.
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This DC3 brings Christmas gifts to the children of Abaco Bahamas after Hurricane Floyd.
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Billy Davis as Santa Clause passing out gifts to children after Hurricane Floyd devastated the Abaco Islands in The Bahamas.
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Billy Davis takes gifts to Father Ken MacKenzie for Abaco after Hurricane Floyd.
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Abaco Island Bahamas after Hurricane Floyd did horrendous damage on September 14, 1999
Mr. Davis, a former state senator from Arizona, created a Web site with pictures of the damage Abaco sustained and recruited help from friends and local businessman Mr. Pete Quinones, AMR Director of Operations, commented. "We feel the donation will make a positive impact on the lives of the residents in that area." "The people of Cooper's Town and North Abaco appreciate the generous gift these visitors have made to help make their lives more comfortable."
The Gift of Giving
Hurricane Ike devastated Turks and Caicos and Inagua Bahamas - Billy on behalf of the Davis Family carried needed supplies to Grand Turk Island (Turks and Caicos) and Inagua Bahamas on September 7, 2008
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Billy and Premier Michael Misick at a Press Conference
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Premier Michael Misick and Billy
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Billy helping a local lady whose home was destroyed on 20 September 2008
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Billy deals with another displaced home.
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Billy and workers helping with Hurricane Relief
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Another needy homeowner who has lost everything
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Hurricane Ike Home loss is the thousands (9).jpg
Hurricane Ike hit Inagua Bahamas
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Hurricane Ike Home loss is the thousands (7).jpg
Hurricane Ike hit Inagua Bahamas
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Hurricane Ike hit Inagua Bahamas, The Davis Family were there to help
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Arizona News Service archives Box 9, item 234 (1986); Box 10, item 10 item 237 (1986)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Former State Senator Donates Five Million Dollars to Education, Billy Davis Family Foundation press release, February 13, 2008
- ↑ Billy Davis profile, ZoomInfo.com, accessed January 29, 2011
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=print&p_docid=11DB064F22424F38[dead link]
- [Military metals Billy Davis earned from the US Navy as listed on DD-214]
- [Personal Reflections - A self-published book authored by Billy Davis]
- [File:Prime Minister to Billy Davis thanks for Ambulance Abaco.jpg]
External links
- Developer's website
- "Students to benefit from $5M donation", The Nassau Guardian, April 18, 2008, KEVA LIGHTBOURNE
- Billy Davis, google profile
- Billy Wayne Davis
- Archival holding on Bill Davis at Arizona State University Library
- [4][dead link]
