OBITUARY: Jerry Davis, C.e.o., Affiliated Foods Southwest
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Jerry Davis, c.e.o. and chairman of wholesale cooperative Affiliated Foods Southwest, Inc., died Nov. 30 from complications of heart surgery. He was 64.
Under Davis' leadership, Affiliated Foods Southwest became one of Arkansas' largest privately owned companies.
A native of Arkansas, Davis joined Affiliated in 1967 and became a member of the firm’s management team in 1971. For five years he served as special assistant to the president, then became e.v.p. and c.o.o. in 1983. In 1986, Davis was named Affiliated’s president and c.o.o., and in 1997 was appointed chairman of the board, president, and c.e.o.
Prior to joining Affiliated in 1967, Davis spent 11 years with Safeway, Inc. in various management capacities.
Davis loved the grocery industry and had a deep commitment to serve the independent retailer. He served on the board of directors for the National Grocers Association, the Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association, and numerous other executive boards. Additionally, he was the first executive from the food industry to serve on the board of directors for the National Cooperative Bank in Washington.
Community involvement and philanthropy were important to Davis. Over the years he donated millions of dollars, as well as countless hours of service, to a number of Arkansas charities. He also served on the Arkansas State Police Commission.
A memorial service for Davis is being held today at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 or Baptist Health Foundation, 9601 Interstate 630, Exit 7, Little Rock, AR 72205-7299.
Under Davis' leadership, Affiliated Foods Southwest became one of Arkansas' largest privately owned companies.
A native of Arkansas, Davis joined Affiliated in 1967 and became a member of the firm’s management team in 1971. For five years he served as special assistant to the president, then became e.v.p. and c.o.o. in 1983. In 1986, Davis was named Affiliated’s president and c.o.o., and in 1997 was appointed chairman of the board, president, and c.e.o.
Prior to joining Affiliated in 1967, Davis spent 11 years with Safeway, Inc. in various management capacities.
Davis loved the grocery industry and had a deep commitment to serve the independent retailer. He served on the board of directors for the National Grocers Association, the Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association, and numerous other executive boards. Additionally, he was the first executive from the food industry to serve on the board of directors for the National Cooperative Bank in Washington.
Community involvement and philanthropy were important to Davis. Over the years he donated millions of dollars, as well as countless hours of service, to a number of Arkansas charities. He also served on the Arkansas State Police Commission.
A memorial service for Davis is being held today at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 or Baptist Health Foundation, 9601 Interstate 630, Exit 7, Little Rock, AR 72205-7299.