Lester Davis' Obituary
DAVIS - Lester G. Davis, 94, a true Gentleman, passed away October 2, 2010, at the Lenbrook Residential Facility in Atlanta. He was 94 years old. Lester, a native of Cobb County, spent 32 years as an FBI Agent, first entering the Bureau in 1942 and retiring in 1974. He began his career as an FBI Agent, by completing background investigations for workers at the secret facility in Oak Ridge, TN that contributed to the first Atomic Bomb. In the early 1950's, he was assigned to the FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, where he would write weekly reports, for the Director, J. Edgar Hover, which described the mob activities in the Mid-West. In the late 1950's and 60's, he was assigned to the New Orleans Field Office where he developed an impressive record of capturing Bank Robbers who would come to the city to spend illegal loot. In the late 1960's he was transferred back to the Atlanta Field office and was eventually promoted to a Squad Supervisor position that investigated Bank Robbers and Kidnappings including the Barbara Jane Mackle. At the 100th Anniversary, he was recognized by the Atlanta Field office as being the oldest Agent present. In 1960, he developed his interest as a serious coin collector and became an expert on the New Orleans artist and friend, H. Alvin Sharpe, who originated the Mardi Gras Doubloon. In 1977, he was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson to be a member of the U.S. Assays Commission. In 1974, he served as the Genereal Chairman for the summer convention of the American Numismatic Association held in Atlanta. In 1996, Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellis Davis, originally from Monticello, GA. He is survived by their two sons, Kenneth Davis, the former Dekalb County Commissioner, his wife Lynn Monteath and their children Katherine and Andy. Also their younger son, Phil and his partner Corliss. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 12:00 Noon, at Wieuca Road Baptist Church, Atlanta, with Rev. Bill Givens officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 11:00 - 12:00. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Austell. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, 1925 Century Blvd., NE, Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345-3315. The family will receive friends Monday from 4-8 PM at Davis- Struempf Funeral Home and Crematory, Austell. www.davis.struempf.com
What’s your fondest memory of Lester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lester?
Share a story where Lester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lester you’ll never forget.
How did Lester make you smile?