Honoring Staff Sgt. James Thomas "Tommy" Davis

The Meigs-Decatur Public Library proudly bears the name of Staff Sgt. James Thomas "Tommy" Davis, a dedicated soldier, a beloved member of the Meigs County community, and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of courage and service will be remembered for generations.

A Son of Meigs County

Born in Decatur, Tennessee, on November 15, 1943, Tommy Davis grew up in the very place where our library stands today. A graduate of Meigs County High School’s Class of 1963, he was known for his kindness, dedication, and strong sense of community. Before enlisting, he worked for Volunteer Electric Cooperative and had just started a new chapter of his life with his wife, Elizabeth "Libby" Edgemon Davis. Their son, James, was born on November 15, 1967—just three months before Tommy’s passing.

Service and Sacrifice

In October 1966, Tommy was drafted into the United States Army and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to Staff Sergeant. He served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. On February 15, 1968, in Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam, he was killed in action during an intense ambush on his convoy. He was the first soldier from Meigs County to lose his life in Vietnam. For his bravery, he was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant. His name is forever enshrined on Panel 39E, Line 45 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A Lasting Tribute

Recognizing the need to honor his sacrifice, the Meigs County Commission unanimously passed a resolution in 1982 to name the library building in his memory. However, decades passed before the tribute became a reality. Thanks to the dedication of local leaders and veterans, the official dedication ceremony took place on September 26, 2015, ensuring that his name and legacy live on in the heart of the community he called home.

The library stands not only as a place of knowledge and discovery but also as a living memorial to a hometown hero. Every visitor who walks through its doors is reminded of Tommy Davis’s courage, dedication, and love for his community.

A Legacy That Lives On

The Tommy Davis Building, home to the Meigs Decatur Public Library, stands as more than just a place for books—it is a tribute to the sacrifices of those who have served, a reminder to future generations of the cost of freedom, and a lasting memorial to Staff Sgt. James Thomas "Tommy" Davis. His legacy is further honored through the Tommy Davis Research Room, a dedicated space for historical and genealogical research, ensuring that his memory continues to inspire learning and reflection for years to come.

When you visit the library, take a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the memory of Staff Sgt. Tommy Davis, a Meigs County native who gave everything for his country.