profiles

a conversation with

GENE DAVIS

“The true test of civilization is, not the census nor the size of cities, nor the crops- no, but the kind of man the country turns out.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I met Gene in 2014 when I was director of the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) Main Street program, and he was a volunteer on the Community Redevelopment Association Advisory Committee which served as the liaison between the main street program and Melbourne City Council. Right away, I knew Gene was kind and fair, but also in a tough spot being juxtaposed between an upstart creative community and local government. Since then, we have gone in separate directions, but I knew he had a good story in him—I was right.

We met in his kitchen while his wife of 61 years, Judy, moved about the house. Their connection to each other was palpable. They are not two people living in the same house; they are a good old-fashioned couple, teammates, partners.

While in high school in Sacramento, CA, a college counselor suggested Gene consider the new Air Force Academy in Colorado. At that time, appointments were not managed through Congressional offices. An excellent student, thespian, class president, writer for the school paper, and athlete, Gene would have had, no doubt, his choice of schools. Watching military aircraft move about in Sacramento piqued his interest. Gene became one of only 15 students from California to enter the Academy’s third class, graduating in 1961. He participated in rugby, football and, of course, made Dean’s List and Outstanding Cadet in Law; and that’s where he met Judy. All students entering the Academy were required to become pilots after graduation and attended flight training school. It was during training that he returned to Colorado to marry Judy the day after her graduation. After earning his pilot wings, they reported to his first base assignment at Dover Air Force Base (AFB) where their two children were born.

Gene’s list of assignments—and accomplishments—are far too extensive to include in this platform, but let’s see if we can skip through 30 years without being dismissive: multiple US bases, the Azores, Taiwan, Argentina (where the family got to visit the Calypso and its famous captain, Jacques Cousteau), Vietnam, Panama, and Homestead in Miami. Along the way, Gene earned a master’s degree in political science from San Diego State, learned Spanish, and graduated from the Newport Navy Command and Staff School in Rhode Island. A quick trip to his study tells the rest of the story—wall to wall certificates, plaques, and posters. Gene casually points out the award he values the most – the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After serving in critical, forward, and combat positions, meeting distinguished people, and standing in the middle of historic moments—a very long and distinguished list involving presidents and historic figures—he retired in 1991 and moved to Melbourne, FL, where he became the Assistant Supervisor of Elections for Brevard County. He was part of the team that established EGAD as an accredited Florida main street. An avid writer, and member of the Space Coast Writer’s Guild, Gene has written books, poetry, and children’s books.  His book Doolie, the Trails, Tribulations, and Triumphs of a 1957 Air Force Academy Cadet is a love letter to the Academy. Based on letters home, the book brings to life what it was like to attend the Academy. It’s funny, heart-warming, and well-written. The band of brothers is close and many former students and friends sent Gene copies of letters for his book. Gene also researched and documented Florida and Eau Gallie history, much of which was used to earn EGAD a spot on the Florida Stories app sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council (and the only in Brevard to be included).

After taking years of ribbing for hanging onto his uniform, Gene recently donated it to the Wings Over the Rockies Museum. Shockingly, that uniform was designed by Cecil B. DeMille.  Gene’s original dress uniform sword hangs in his house. 

Now grandparents, Gene and Judy are returning to the Academy soon for a reunion for the Class of 1961. Judy is now a life member of Garden Club by the Sea, having joined in 1999, and Gene serves on the board of Field Manor, the oldest building on Merritt Island. Established by brothers JR and Samuel Field in 1868 and supporting three generations in 1913, the family survived by living off the land with established groves and the bounty of the Indian River. The last living family member lived in the home until 2013. In 2015, it opened as a museum with the goal is the preservation of east central Florida’s pioneer past. It is open to tours and is a popular venue for weddings and private events being situated along the Indian River. 

As we wrapped up, Judy wrapped her arms around Gene like teenagers to say she was leaving for lunch with friends. As she walked away, Gene said he has had a wonderful life and career, but his face went soft as he said, “I couldn’t have done anything without Judy.”  Heard, understood, acknowledged.