Councilman Craig Mathews (second from left) poses alongside Ruth Ann Davis, widow of Joseph M. Davis Jr., and his family, following the council meeting that passed the resolution to request to have the newly constructed interchange at La. 318 and US 90 named after Davis in memoriam.
New overpass to be named after late Councilman Davis
The St. Mary Parish Council resolved Wednesday to request the Louisiana Legislature consider naming the newly constructed overpass at La. 318 and US 90, the “Mr. Joseph M. ‘Tooney’ Davis Jr. Memorial Overpass.”
The resolution passed at the monthly parish council meeting, attended especially by the widow, children, and extended family of Davis.
Councilman Rev. Craig Mathews said, “Now, granted there have been numerous individuals, both past and present who have served for many years in various public capacities, but I believe this recognition is warranted because Mr. Davis consistently and consecutively served his entire public career representing the people of the District 1 community, the unincorporated portion where this particular interchange has been constructed.”
The resolution itself, said of Davis, “Mr. Davis was a strong, fearless leader and determined Council Member who led St. Mary Parish in its growth and public infrastructure advancements, specifically in the rural unincorporated communities of District 1, including water and sewer improvements, public access roadways, street lighting, numerous parks and recreation, and construction of the West St. Mary Civic Center all under his leadership, ranging from the time of the St. Mary Parish Police Jury to the formation of the Home Rule Charter form of government established in 1984 and subsequent years.”
Following the meeting’s adjournment, Davis’ son, Trent Davis, said of his father, “He was a gentle giant who served the community with honor.”
Several other resolutions were voted on and passed. The council resolved to:
-Authorize the execution of a construction contract for a citizen’s drop-off ramp to be built at the Harold J. “Babe” Landry Landfill.
-Authorize the execution of the reconstruction of Charenton Beach Road from La. 87 to the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee.
-Authorize the execution of renovations at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse.
The meeting adjourned after Council Chairman Gabe Beadle called for a meeting of the council Dec. 7 at 5 p.m., for a hearing on the special election for St. Mary Parish Sheriff.