Carroll Buck Davis III

Carroll “Sonny” Buck Davis, III, 79, of Chittenden, Vermont, passed away on November 28, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center. He was born in Rutland, VT, and attended Ludlow High School and the University of Maryland. He obtained his GED in 1963 from Northern Virginia Community College before enlisting in the United States Army at just 17 years old.

Though Sonny had been facing many health challenges in recent years, he passed sooner than his family had hoped after a sudden heart attack. He was a fighter, determined, strong-willed, and independent. Despite medical issues and physical limitations, he continued to drive, go shopping, attend church groups, socialize, and regularly visit family and friends.

Sonny was the devoted husband of Carol Davis for 62 years and a proud, loving father to Patricia Davis, Kathy Davis, Davey Davis, and Christina Davis. As the oldest of his brothers, he shared a lifelong closeness with Neil Davis, Robert Davis, Mike Davis, and Alan Davis.

He cherished his role as a grandfather to Patrick Walker, Matthew Walker, Christopher Walker, Keri Davis, Maria Quigley, Joshua Douglas, Jacob Douglas, Alyssa Douglas, Carly Davis, Caleb Davis, and Bella Davis; and as a great-grandfather to Adonijah Walker, Judah Walker, Izaiah Baker, Ruby Baker, Hazelle Baker, and Levi Skelton.

Sonny was predeceased by two great-grandchildren, Mikaela Davis and Malachi Buffo, as well as by his parents, Carroll Buck Davis, Jr. and Gertrude Davis. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Family was Sonny’s greatest source of pride and joy. He will be remembered for his quiet generosity, steady presence, and the deep love he showed to those around him. His loss leaves an irreplaceable space in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy endures in the many hearts he touched.

Sonny was the foundation of the Davis family. He always kept his promises and was an amazing father and husband, treating his wife with the utmost respect. He took his children fishing, on adventures, and into the outdoors, and he helped coach his two youngest children’s baseball team in Proctor, VT. He was supportive, present, and proud of every accomplishment, concert, and milestone.

A man of deep faith, Sonny was an ordained Minister and Pastor. He was ordained as an Assembly of God Minister on June 25, 1972, in Norfolk, Virginia. He preached and ministered with his wife at different hospitals and the Leprosarium in Okinawa, Japan. He also received a License to Preach from the Full Gospel Trinity Ministerial Fellowship in Coatesville, PA, on February 17, 1975, and was ordained by the Church of God in Proctorsville, VT, on March 15, 1976.

Sonny was a Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He served in the United States Army from September 13, 1963, to September 30, 1983, earning several awards, including the Medal of Honor, the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, along with completing numerous trainings and courses. His supervisors and commanders consistently praised his dedication and unquestionable devotion to duty.

During his Army career, he earned the 1st Region Certificate of Achievement while serving as Staff Sergeant E-6 and Chief Engineer Missile Mechanic, Battery D, 3rd Battalion (HERCULES) 5th Artillery in Danvers, MA, from February 13, 1966, to January 22, 1968.He served as Staff Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, United States Army Engineer School Brigade from March 18, 1967, to March 17, 1970.He received multiple Certificates of Achievement for superior performance, including while serving as Engineer Sergeant, 17th Artillery Group in Norfolk, VA (1969–1971), and as an Instructor in the Tactical Utility Generator Branch at the U.S. Army Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, VA (1971–1973).

The U.S. Army Facilities Engineering Support Agency awarded him a Certificate of Achievement for his outstanding service, technical knowledge, leadership, and reliability while he served as a member of the Enlisted Personnel Management Task Force (1976–1978). During this period, he also earned a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Army Communications Command in Okinawa, Japan for his adaptability, initiative, and devotion to duty.

On January 11, 1982, Sonny reenlisted and later became the senior non-commissioned officer in the Development and Evaluation Section, where he served until his retirement on September 30, 1983.

After retiring from the Army, Sonny continued to share his skills and passions in Rutland County, Vermont. He taught in the Electrical Program at Stafford Technical Center and worked at Omya, Killington Ski Resort, and ultimately retired from Home Depot as a Master Electrical Specialist at 75 years old.

Sonny was well known and well-loved in his community. He regularly attended Roadside Chapel, Celebrate Recovery, Life Recovery, and various Bible studies. Many people sought his guidance and assistance with projects or materials, especially during his years at Home Depot.

He enjoyed a full and happy life surrounded by the large, loving family he and his wife always dreamed of. Sonny was known for his loud, unique laugh, his great sense of humor, and his constant smile. He loved fixing things and kept an entire room of tools and project materials, forever a jack of all trades, always excited to start something new.

Those who knew him remember Sonny as a good man, honest, full of integrity, and known as a “Man of God.” He had a sweet, kind spirit and led by example. He was a loyal member of his church, loved to socialize, and shared the gospel with warmth and sincerity.

Sonny loved to sing and worship the Lord. His wife played the accordion, and together they performed in churches and nursing homes, ministering to others. He often sang this chorus at home:

“Kind and loving Daddy to my little girl and boy. Christian to my neighbor and faithful to the Lord. Having done what’s right; faithful in God’s sight. How will you be remembered?”

Sonny leaves behind a legacy built on love, faith, and service. He poured his heart into his family, and those who knew him will carry his laughter, his wisdom, and his unwavering kindness in their hearts forever.

And as he would always say: “Dun dun da dun, we’re done!”

Services

December 4th, 2025 – Roadside Chapel, 1680 Townline Road, Rutland, VT 05701• 

10:00 AM – Open Casket• 

11:00 AM – Celebration of Life Service• 

12:00 PM – Reception in the Fellowship Hall (Potluck)

December 5th, 2025 – 1:00 PM Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery487 Furnace Road, Randolph, VT 05061