GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 1997
RATIFIED BILL
RESOLUTION 43
Whereas, Archibald Kimbrough Davis was born in Winston-Salem on January 22, 1911, to Dr. Thomas Whitmell Davis and Frances Conrad Davis; and
Whereas, Archie Davis graduated from Woodberry Forest School in 1929, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1932, and thereafter began a career in banking with Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Winston-Salem, his hometown, eventually rising by 1955 to the position of Chairman of the Board, which position he held until his retirement in 1974; and
Whereas, Archie Davis throughout his life retained the love of history and scholarship acquired during his youth and, upon his retirement as Chairman of the Board of Wachovia Bank, then the largest bank in the Southeast, he promptly reenrolled as a student at his beloved Chapel Hill and remained a registered student there until his death; and
Whereas, after he was awarded a master of arts degree from the university at the age of 64, he continued his studies, concentrating on his fascination with the War Between the States and especially the role of North Carolina in that conflict. His doctoral dissertation, a biography of Colonel Henry K. Burgwin, Jr., was published by the University of North Carolina Press in 1985 under the title Boy Colonel of the Confederacy; and
Whereas, during his career he was so esteemed that he was elected not only as President of the 18,000 member American Bankers Association but also President of the 5,000,000 member United States Chamber of Commerce, the only man ever to be head of both organizations; and
Whereas, service to his native State was a guiding principle of Archie Davis's life. His service included serving as a member of the North Carolina Senate from 1958 to 1962, as President of the Research Triangle Foundation, a signal economic engine for our State with which he remained involved for 28 years, as Chair of the Duke Endowment, as a member of the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, as a Trustee of the National Humanities Center, as a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of North Carolina, Salem Academy and College, the North Caroliniana Society, as a member of the Board of Archives of the Moravian Church, and his personal involvement in numerous other organizations of our State. Indeed, he once said "If you don't want me to do something for my State, don't ask."; and
Whereas, during his long and productive life, Archie Davis was the exemplar of a North Carolina gentleman and was known for his innate courtesy, his self-effacement, his approachability, his consideration for the feelings of others, making him not only revered but beloved by all with whom he came in contact; and
Whereas, Archie Davis died on March 13, 1998, at the age of 87; and
Whereas, Archie Davis is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Haywood Davis; a daughter, Bonnie Bennett; three sons, Archie H. Davis IV, John H. Davis, and Dr. Thomas W. Davis; eight grandchildren; and other relatives and friends; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
Section 1. The North Carolina General Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for the life and accomplishments of Archibald Kimbrough Davis and for the great service and contributions that he rendered to our State, Forsyth County, and the City of Winston-Salem.
Section 2. The North Carolina General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Archibald Kimbrough Davis.
Section 3. The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Archibald Kimbrough Davis.
Section 4. This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 18th day of August, 1998.
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Dennis A. Wicker
President of the Senate
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Harold J. Brubaker
Speaker of the House of Representatives