by Larry Chowning –
Longtime radio personality Tom Davis of Wicomico Church in Northumberland County has been named grand marshal of the 2019 21st Annual Urbanna Hometown Christmas Parade. Members of the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) Ladies’ Auxiliary have been named honorary grand marshals.
The parade will be held on Friday, December 6, starting at 7 p.m. Following the parade Santa Claus will make a visit from the North Pole to the Urbanna Firehouse to visit with children of the community.
Davis is a true native of the Northern Neck—he was born inside the office of the late Dr. Melvin B. Lamberth Jr. in Kilmarnock. Shortly after he was born the Davis family moved from Kilmarnock to Maryland where they lived for 10 years. After that, they moved back to Lancaster where Tom graduated from Lancaster High School in 1972.
After high school, Davis graduated from Ohio Institute of Technology where he majored in electronics. When he moved home to Kilmarnock his first job was as a broadcaster with station WKWI in Kilmarnock.
He was hired in September 1975 by WKWI owner Patricia Dewey and general manager Dean Loudy, and since then he has worked in just about every capacity in the business—from broadcaster to part owner of stations.
Davis’s success in the business is strongly tied to his understanding of the significant role local radio plays in the community and his dedication to live coverage of events. No matter how large or small the event, Davis has always answered the call and brought live, entertaining coverage.
Lois Jean Brooks, chair of the Urbanna Hometown Christmas Parade, said, “Whatever you ask Tom to do, he will do it. He has been parade announcer and broadcaster for the Urbanna Oyster Festival and Christmas Parade for years. He is always easy to work with and when he is around he makes it all fun.
“We have been so fortunate to have had this type of coverage for our little parade,” said Brooks. “It has all been due to the generosity and love of people that Tom brings with him wherever he goes.”
When Davis was asked to have his picture taken for this article, he would not have it taken without Brooks being in the photo. “I do appreciate this honor but it ought to be going to Lois Jean (Brooks) for her many years of work and dedication to this event,” he said.
Davis suffered a life-threatening stroke in March. Right after the stroke, doctors said he could be an invalid and bedridden for life. He was unable to swallow for four months. Remarkably, he has recovered beyond doctors’ beliefs and recouped most normal functions.
“I’ve been extremely blessed,” said Davis. “I’m suffering from double vision from the stroke, which makes it so I cannot drive a car, but everything else is moving forward. I am hopeful that I can be back on the air soon,” he said.
Davis will be riding in the Urbanna Christmas Parade on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m.
Today, Davis is vice president and advertising consultant for 105.5 WRAR and River Country 107.5.
Members of the MVFD Ladies Auxiliary honored as honorary grand marshals are Brooks, Jane Birchard, June Williams, Jeannine Rowe, Virginia Hogge, Sandy Barbee, Charlotte Lloyd, Barbara Nelson, Shirley Payne, Jane Rilee, Jeannette Sharp, Nell Thimsen, Patty Wheeler, Sue Johnson and Melissa Swensen.
