Lt. Colonel Philip Bard Davis, United States Air Force, Ret.

Philip Davis was born September 27, 1936 in El Paso, Texas and passed away May 8, 2011 in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 74.

Philip served his country in the United States Air Force for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. His service included the Vietnam War. His many military decorations and awards include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. He served as Squadron Commander at RAF Lakenheath and flew F-111 fighter aircraft.

Philip married D.J. Haley on December 16, 1989 and they had lived in Georgetown since 1996. At the time of his death, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Georgetown.

Funeral services were held on May 12 at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders of the Austin Region. The Riders formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

An interment service, with full military honors, was held later that day at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. At the cemetery to welcome the arriving family and friends were fifty American flags and Patriot Guard Riders of the CENTEX Region. The Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

The flag draped casket was removed from the funeral coach and carried into the shelter by the Air Force Honor Guard. Looking on were Philip's wife, D.J., and their son, Josh, a Specialist in the United States Army.

At precisely 2:10 PM, a flight of four propeller driven aircraft flew over the cemetery. As the flight passed above, one of the aircraft pulled up and away, leaving the "missing man" formation of three aircraft.

The Honor Guard folded the flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle, and ceremoniously passed it to an Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer. The Air Force detail of three rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Air Force bugler played taps.

The folded American flag was then presented to D. J. on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Air Force and a grateful country as thanks for Philip's many years of faithful service.

Lt. Colonel Philip Davis was then laid to rest on the sloping plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, three sons, four daughters, one brother, ten grandchildren and a host of other family and dear friends.



With thanks to Ramsey Funeral Home for biographical information.