On Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, a beautiful summer evening, Col. (Ret.) Alexander David Davis Jr. was suddenly called home to be with the Lord. Sonny was born March 15, 1961, at George Air Force Base, Victorville, Calif., the only son of Dorothy M. and the late Alexander Davis.

On a hill, high above the Appomattox at Virginia State University, he earned his bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He found the love of his life, Karen F. Chapman, of Smithfield; Sept. 17, 1988, they were joined in marriage. From this union came two beautiful girls, Alexis Nicole “Nikki,” age 20, and Aaren Danelle Davis, age 17.

“Big Al” had an illustrious career of 26 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Full Bird Colonel. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was an avid golfer and an outstanding husband, father, a wonderful son and brother.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Davis Sr., and a sister, Carol Ann Davis.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Chapman Davis; two daughters, Alexis Nicole and Aaren Danelle; mother, Dorothy M. Davis; two sisters, Alexis, of Newport News, and Joyce Davis, of Hampton; his father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Chapman of Smithfield, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Fort Lee Memorial Chapel, 10600 Sisisky Ave., Fort Lee, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at First Baptist Church, 229 N. King St., Hampton, the Rev. Dr. Richard W. Wills Sr., pastor and eulogist. Interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens, Hampton.

Family visitation will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at the funeral establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.