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Kelly Stringham Davis, 91, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2009 in Albuquerque. He was born to Daniel Murray Davis and Chloe Stringham Davis. Kelly was the second oldest of five brothers and two sisters, Murray (died an infant), Ross, Chloe, Doreen, Dent and Steve. After graduating from Davis High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he was stationed in the Philippines. Kelly was working as a radio engineer when WWII broke out, then shortly after, they were invaded by the Japanese. He was immediately captured and later shipped to Japan where he remained a prisoner of war for three and a half years. It was his determination and desire to live, combined with the love for his country that helped him to survive the Bataan Death March. He overcame the atrocities that faced him, with great courage. After the forces surrendered, the prisoners were liberated and this "war hero" came home. His weight was 93 pounds. The "welcome home banners" lined the streets of Bountiful and flags waved proudly upon the celebration of his safe return. Kelly married his true love, FayNita Taylor on April 4, 1946 and they were later sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He graduated from the U of U with a BSEE degree, and then moved his family to Albuquerque, where he worked at Sandia National Laboratories for 25 years. He was an intelligent and talented engineer whose expertise contributed to the safety of our country, when he was instrumental in developing the electrical apparatus for the detonation of atomic bombs. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as Bishop of the Albuquerque 2nd Ward. He was always gracious, enthusiastic, optimistic, helpful and loved by everyone who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and woodworking. In spite of his mistreatment endured in the war, he became an avid tennis player (which he played until age 85). With the passing of FayNita, he later married Helen VanVelsen who also preceded him in death. After living in Albuquerque for 55 years, we celebrate his great life. Kelly is survived by his children, Taylor and Kathryn Davis of Bountiful, UT and Suzon and William Tarbell of Albuquerque; daughter-in-law, Deborah Davis of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Aaron, Amy, Andrew and Hayleigh Davis, Ashley Squires, Jared, Tyson, Brandon and Kyra Tarbell, Amber Croxall, Shane, Chase, Dustin and Denae Davis; great-grandchildren, Chaz, Finn, Gwen, Ashjia, Zarian, Hope, Ryan and Everest. Services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at French ~ Wyoming Chapel. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010. Please visit our online guestbook for Kelly at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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