SALUTE TO WILLIE "JACK" DAVIS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90'" BIRTHDAY
WHEREAS, On November 13, 2013, Willie "Jack" Davis, an outstanding citizen and pillar of the Englewood neighborhood, will join the burgeoning ranks of this city's nonagenarians; and
WHEREAS, Like so many other African Americans in Englewood, Willie Davis started his life in Clarksdale, Mississippi. On November 26, 1942, at 19 years of age, he united in Holy Matrimony to Mae Pollard of Tunica, Mississippi, located almost 40 miles northeast of his native city in deep in the Mississippi Delta. Their 71 year union was bountifully blessed with nine children, 23 grandchildren. 30 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren: and
WHEREAS, Willie served his nation in the United States Army for two years in combat and three in the reserve. He was assigned to the 93rd Infantry Division where he was a machine operator and a gunner's mate. He also served in a military police unit; and
WHEREAS, In August of 1971, Willie and Virgie Davis moved to Englewood. Due to his Army experience as a machine operator, Willie joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 and became the first African American to drive a front-end loader. During his four decades with the union, he demolished many buildings and built many highways. One of his demolition projects included Comisky Park in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Willie Davis has been a member of the New Bethlehem #4 Baptist Church for more than thirty years. He currently is the longest serving deacon and a devoted Sunday school teacher; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Toni Foulkes, Alderman of the 15th Ward, has apprised this august body of the significant milestone achieved by this remarkable member of the Greatest Generation; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 16th Day of October, 2013, do hereby salute Willie "Jack'" Davis on the occasion of his 90lh Birthday and extend o...
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