DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. — Thomas C. Davis, age 84 years, a resident of the Dixon Springs community in Pope County Illinois. Passed away Monday, October 15, 2012, at 11:05 a.m. at his home.

Tom was born March 19, 1928, in Golconda, Illinois. He was the son of Raymond “Johnny Green” Davis and Frances M. (Izatt) Davis. Tom was united in marriage to Bettie E. Martin on August 29, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by a son, Rodger Davis and his wife Kathy, of Simpson, Ill.; three grandchildren, Jessica Steele of Woodstock, Ill., Courtney and Dale Zimmer of Algonquin, Ill., Ryan and Tammy Davis of Collinsville, Ill.; three great-grandchildren, Abigail Steele, Landon Zimmer, and Kole Zimmer; three sisters, Alice Ledbetter of Benton, Ky., Agnes Bender of Golconda, Ill., Mary and Coleman Duncan of Golconda, Ill.; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Davis and Bert Davis; a sister, Margaret Davis; and an infant sister.

Tom was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, having served during World War II. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Tom began his working career at the age of 16. He was employed in a number of automobile industry related factories in Detroit, Michigan. He also worked at J and K’s in Golconda for a number of years. Tom was employed by the Illinois Youth Commission and later the Illinois Department of Corrections as an officer at the Dixon Springs Camp. He retired on December 31, 1986.

Tom was a member of the Dixon Springs Baptist Church. He loved spending time with his family and especially cherished his grandchildren. Tom also enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, playing bingo, and gardening. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and also enjoyed attending Southern Illinois Miners games, and even felt well enough to attend two games this season. Though unable to see the games clearly he was able to enjoy them through Bettie’s “play-by-play” commentary.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, October 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Dixon Springs Baptist Church. Pastor Ron Jackson and Pastor David Faulkner will officiate.

Burial will be in the Friendship Cemetery, near Dongola. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Dixon Springs Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dixon Springs Baptist Church, 964 State Highway 146 W, Golconda, IL 62938 or the Golden Circle Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 246, Golconda, IL 62938.

To share a memory of Tom or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.