Valerie Mcdavid

Active-Duty Army Colonel Valerie Gail McDavid passed away at home with family at her side in Staunton, IL, on April 27, 2020.

She was born August 11, 1957, in Chicago, IL, to the late Vernie E. and the late Barbara L. Winters McDavid.  She was married January 7, 1987, to James Munsun, who survives, of Staunton, IL.

Along with her husband, she is also survived by her siblings, Lori (Tom) Tezak, Dianna (Jim) Martin, and Dana (Michelle) McDavid; her sisters-in-law, Jami (John) Brown and Melanie (Al) Zinselmeier; her honorary daughter, Major Jen Bick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Valerie graduated from the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1980.  She then graduated from Washington University School of Dental Medicine with a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1986.  She completed the Periodontics Residency at the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in Kansas City Missouri.  Valerie held a license as a Periodontist and was a Diplomate with the American Board of Periodontology.

She held professional memberships in The American Academy of Periodontology, The American Dental Association, The American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety, The American Medical Writers Association, and The Academy of General Dentistry.  She also belonged to the Missouri Dental Association and to Delta Sigma Delta.

Valerie was passionate about teaching and learning.  She was a clinical instructor at UMKC School of Dentistry, was Chief and Mentor at the OMFS residency at Ft. Bragg, NC, and at the AEGD residency at Ft. Bragg, NC.  During her time at Ft. Hood, TX, she was the Periodontics Consultant.  While at Norfolk Naval Base she was Naval Dental Training Officer.

She practiced general dentistry in Burlington and Mediapolis, IA, following graduation from dental school.  She practiced Periodontology as sole proprietor in Jefferson City, MO, and Ballwin, MO, following completion of her residency at UMKC.

Valerie served in the United States Navy between March 1989 and July 1994 where she attained the rank of Lt. Commander.  While serving in the Navy, Valerie was Assistant Dental Officer/ Submarine Squadron Eight - Dental Liaison Officer, Assistant Branch Director/ Fleet Liaison Officer, and Assistant Officer in Charge of a Branch Dental Clinic. During her time in the Navy, she was stationed at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot Paris Island, aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), home ported at Norfolk Naval Base, at Naval Base Ingleside, TX, and at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX.

Valerie served in the United States Army from July 2006 until her death, where she attained the rank of Colonel.  She was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Belvoir, VA, Ft. Hood, TX, and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.  She served as Northern Region Dental Command Knowledge Management Officer, Regional Patient Safety Officer, and Officer in Charge at Perkins Dental Clinic, as well as OIC at Harper Dental Clinic.  Her last assignment was Deputy Commander -DENTAC, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.

Included in Colonel McDavid’s military awards and commendations are the Navy Surface Warfare, Medical Department Qualifications Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal four times.

While serving in the army she was awarded the Order of Military Medical Merit on December 3, 2019.  She also received the Army Achievement Medal twice, the Army Commendation Medal twice, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal.

Valerie volunteered in her free time at many places including the Osman Free Dental Clinic Jefferson City, MO, as a Dental Health Presenter on Community Access Cable Television in Jefferson City, MO, and served on the Women’s History Month Faculty at UMKC.  She served on the Kansas City Girls to Women Orthognathic Surgical Conference Faculty and on the YWCA Board of Directors.  She was a Volunteer Dentist for Oral Health Screenings in Burlington, IA, and was the Children’s Dental Health Month Event Volunteer Dentist/ Coordinator there.  Valerie was a Volunteer Dentist on the Elks Club Mobile Dental Clinic for rural indigent Missourians.  In addition, Valerie volunteered for numerous Special Olympics events, Public Television Fundraisers, beach clean ups, and Red Cross blood drives.

Valerie had many talents and interests.  Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crafting, gardening, and photography.  Valerie’s writing was inspirational, be it professional writing, cards to friends and family, or her blog that captured her daily life with cancer.  She combined her talents for photography and writing to create personal cards that touched the hearts of those who received them.

She belonged to and supported the McDavid Grove Baptist Church in Springville, TN.

Valerie loved her feline family.  They were a source of great comfort and joy in her life particularly during the time she was being treated for her cancer.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:30 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held Saturday August 7, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Craig-Farmer/McDavid Grove Cemetery in Springville, TN.

Serving as pallbearers will be the members of Fort Campbell, KY, Honor Guard.

Burial with Military Honors will follow the service in Craig-Farmer/McDavid Grove Cemetery.