Earl V. and Mary W. Davis

Earl Valentine Davis was born to Young and Tina Davis on February 8, 1916, in Russellville, Kentucky. Growing up in Logan County, Earl raised dairy cattle for 4-H competitions and worked on a farm outside of Russellville for 50 cents per day. After graduating from Russellville High School, he began working at a gas station, until beginning his career at the Citizens National Bank in 1936.

Earl joined Company M, 149th Infantry, Kentucky National Guard in 1934. He later attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. With the outbreak of WWII, Company M became part of the 38th “Cyclone” Division when federalized. After extensive training in Mississippi and Louisiana, the division was sent to the Southwest Pacific Theatre. He saw combat in New Guinea and the Philippines while rising in rank to lieutenant colonel.

After the war, Earl returned to Russellville and the Citizens National Bank. Through the years, he worked his way up in the bank. In 1969, after 32 years, he was named president. Under his leadership, from 1969 until he retired as president in 1986, the bank grew from $7.5 million to $78 million in assets. After retiring as president in 1986, he served as chairman on the Board at Citizens National Bank until his death in 1989.

During his career, Earl was active in numerous civic organizations and economic development activities, including the Russellville-Logan County Civic Development Corporation, which was instrumental in attracting many industries to Logan County. He was also a lifelong supporter of Junior Achievement and was recognized as one of four “Businessman of the Year” when the award was initiated.

Earl was married to Mary Williston Davis. Mary was born October 9, 1919 in Russellville, Kentucky, to Edward Riley and Williston McReynolds Riley. After graduating from Russellville High School, she married Earl on December 24, 1938. Mary managed the household, which included their two sons, Richard and Raymond Davis, during WWII, when Earl was serving in the Pacific Theatre. After his return from the war, the family moved to a farm on Stevenson Mill Road. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Russellville, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Junior Homemakers. She and Earl were married for 50 years until his passing in 1988. Mary passed away in 2004.

The Earl V. and Mary W. Davis Scholarship Fund was initially established by Mrs. Mary Davis to honor the memory of her husband. The fund assists beginning freshmen at WKU who graduated from Russellville or Logan County High School and participated in 4-H or Junior Achievement. Through this award, the memory of Earl and Mary Davis lives on in perpetuity.