of Conway, AR
February 14, 1953 - October 12, 2020
Velton B. Daves, Jr, 67, of Conway, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord, at home with his wife and sons by his side, Monday, October 12, 2020. He was born February 14, 1953 in Conway to Velton B. Daves, Sr and Emma Ray Graddy Daves. Velton was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn Robertson and Emma Kuykendall, and his parents.
Velton is survived by his wife, Carol Stephens Daves, sons, Daniel Daves and David Daves; grandchildren, Lydia Daves and John River Daves; sister, Janell Starkey; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Velton was a member of the 1971 class of Conway High School. He completed a bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Central Arkansas. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy.
Velton loved his job at UCA, especially the last several years. He was excited to build new facilities and oversee the construction. He and Carol loved to drive around the U.S. They traveled from Conway to Acadia in Maine, Monument Valley in Utah and just last year journeyed to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone.
He was a loving grandfather to his two grandchildren, Lydia and River. He read to them and watched their cartoons and dinosaur shows, enjoying the wonder and curiosity of his sweet grandbabies.
As a young man, Velton played softball for his family's store, Prince Street Grocery. Once his sons were old enough to play sports, Velton coached their soccer and baseball teams for many years. After they were out of the house, he took up golf, never missing an opportunity to play a round with his friends. Velton was always interested in living a healthy lifestyle and frequented UCA's fitness amenities until his illness.
Velton served several terms in the Conway Planning Commission and was on the Historic District Committee. He took a great deal of pride in Conway and did his best to serve the needs of his community.
During his six-month battle with a very aggressive cancer, Velton was sure he would return to work and fought hard to be there for his family. Unfortunately, the cancer was too much for him.
Funeral Services will be held at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in the Chapel, Conway, AR on Friday October 16, 2020 at 2:00pm. Visitation is from 10:00am to 2:00pm with family present one hour prior to the service at 1:00pm. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
Masks are required.
Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conw
I am so sorry for your loss. Velton was a great person and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a wonderful life....sadly over too soon. Cherish the memories that make you smile.
Praying for you and your family during this time. I worked at UCA for 18 years and always enjoyed talking Velton on campus. He will be missed dearly.
To the Daves family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Carol, we are so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege getting to know both of you while at UCA. I enjoyed getting to play golf with Velton. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.
I was so sorry to learn of Velton's passing. He was a trusted friend and advisor in making the campus a better place for all of us. I was privileged to work with him on many projects at UCA and was always thankful for his sound advice and willingness to help. Velton's contributions to UCA will live on for many generations and we will miss him greatly. Carol and family - please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol, Daniel, and David we hope your memories will bring some lightness and peace to your heart.
From B's entrance "Hey everybody" to his exit "Glad you got to see me; see you later bye" he was the laughter in the room. His laughter will always be with you.
Carol,
I was so sorry to hear of Velton’s passing. I pray you will know God’s comfort during your grief and strength to face the coming days.
Carol, you and your family are in our prayers. Velton will be dearly missed by all.
I hated to hear the loss of Velton.
On behalf of myself and my coworkers at BTME, I would like to express condolences to Velton’s family, as well as his work family at UCA. Our prayers are with you all.
It has been my pleasure to get to work with Velton on several projects over the past 9 or 10 years. He was always fair and honest; and I learned a lot from him over the years.
I will be playing a round of golf, in his honor, this weekend.
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss of Velton. You and your family are in my prayers. Velton was a great guy to work with and will be missed.
Dot
Dan,
Thinking and praying for your family.
Lanny Doc Noggle
He was a happy little boy. Loved life and being outside.
Sorry he didn’t get to have more retirement to do things with his family.
Loved you from the moment I first held you. Love you still. Your big Sissy.
Carol,
Love and Prayers to you and the boys for strength
Love you 💕
Praying for your family may god bless you and give you what you need doing this time. I enjoy working with him at Uca
I was so saddened to hear about Velton. I was proud to know him and greatly privileged to work with him at UCA for many years. I could always count on him to know what he was doing even when I didn't. I have missed him since then and I know he will be missed by many now.
It has been a pleasure working with Velton over the past many years at the Physical Plant. I learned a great deal from him. You can't go anywhere on the UCA campus without seeing a project or building that he built or was involved with. We shared a lot of laughs here at the office and we will miss him greatly. We will be praying for your family during these difficult days.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4