June 15, 2026, 34, Lancaster, CA – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Major Alexander “SMO” Davis, 34, of Lancaster, California – originally of Goldsboro, North Carolina – on Monday, June 15, 2026. Major Davis made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country when the B-52 Stratofortress he was serving aboard crashed at Edwards Air Force Base, claiming the lives of all eight crewmembers on board.
Alexander Wesley Davis was born on February 10, 1992, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Douglas and Karen Davis. In 1994, his family moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina, the city he considered his hometown. He attended Saint Mary School in Goldsboro from the age of three through eighth grade. He went on to graduate from Charles B. Aycock High School, where he played football as a lineman, competed on the track and field team as a shot-putter, and excelled academically, earning induction into the National Honor Society. His leadership and drive were evident in his youth, as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009. Upon graduation, he answered the call to serve his nation through an Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship to North Carolina State University. Alex graduated in 2015 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Alex continued his studies, earning a Master of Science in Space Studies from American Military University and a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.
Throughout his distinguished career, Alex served as a Weapon Systems Officer with the 69th Bomber Squadron at Minot Air Force Base and, most recently, the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base. He trained as a Combat Systems Officer at Pensacola Naval Air Station and as a Weapon Systems Officer on the B-52 at Barksdale Air Force Base before deploying to Al Udeid, Qatar, where he flew combat missions. He later deployed to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. In 2022, Alex was selected for the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, joining the 22A class. Upon completing Test Pilot School, he served with the 419th Flight Test Squadron in support of the B-52 Stratofortress modernization program. He was promoted to Major in April 2025.
Alex earned numerous decorations and awards throughout his career, including the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was deeply respected by colleagues and senior officers alike for his dedication, leadership, professionalism, and expertise. He lived by the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Beyond his military duties, Alex enjoyed spending time with his dog, Kilo-Niner, on hikes throughout California. He grew up with many pets and was passionate about conservation. Alex also enjoyed sailing, a passion he cultivated from summers at Camp Don Lee in Pamlico County, North Carolina, and as a member of the NC State Sailing Club. He enjoyed learning about history, and traveled the country to visit historical museum ships. An imaginative and prolific fantasy writer, Alex was known for his puns and his sense of humor, which brightened every life he touched with laughter.
Alex was a loving brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He cherished every moment spent with loved ones. Even when deployments kept him from family gatherings, he would call in to say hello to everyone, doing all he could to be there in spirit. Alex shared his love of travel with his brother, as they explored Ireland and the Dakotas together, soaking up local history and seeking sites off-the-beaten-path during their travels. He will be remembered for his selflessness, unwavering courage, and the positive impact he left on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Alex will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Major Alexander “SMO” Davis is survived by his mother, Karen Davis; his father, Douglas Davis; his brother, Zachary Davis; and his sister-in-law, Stephanie Lola. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arlen and Janice Davis, and maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Sadie Coulter.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary at Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church: 1603 Edgerton Street, Goldsboro, North Carolina. He will be laid to rest with full military honors on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenleaf Memorial Park: 900 River Road, New Bern, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Air & Space Forces Aid Society | The Official Charity of the Air Force, Friends of the Fallen, or Fisher House Foundation.
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