Billy Ray Davis

TUSCOLA: Billy Ray Davis, age 90, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at his residence.

A graveside service will be held in the Buffalo Gap Cemetery on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 10:00am, directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. The service will be performed by David Skinner of River of life Church, Abilene. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 5-7pm at the funeral home in Tuscola.
Honorary pallbearers will be Will Davis-Ruiz, Cole Davis, Cory Davis, Chase Davis, Dearl Mack Davis II, And Dearl Mack Davis III

Billy was born in Honey Grove on July 7, 1931, to Ray and Dixie (Walker) Davis.

Billy married Patricia Bradshaw on May 24, 1952.

Billy worked for Westinghouse Elevator for 42 years and he retired from that profession. Billy would work all week on elevators then he spent his spare time operating Davis Sand & Gravel. He built many driveways and building pads all over the Big Country. He thoroughly enjoyed being in the dirt and construction business and met many lifetime friends.

Billy was an avid outdoorsman that spent every chance he could being outside. Weather it was doing yardwork, picking up pecans, piddling in his shop, still (at age 90) changing the oil in his pickup and lawnmower, as long as he was outdoors, he was happy and n his element. Throughout Billy's life his greatest hobbies were camping, hiking, dutch oven cooking, attending family reunions, and visiting as many state parks as possible, so much so he had earned the Golden Eagle Sate Park Pass and he sure was proud of that award. Billy's cooking skills earned him the Wood Badge from the Boy Scouts of America, where he was a constant presence and volunteer for many years.
Billy took on another role after his retirement, it was his favorite role, that of Granddad. It did not matter how far, how cold or how hot it was, if his grandkids or great grandkids had an event or were participating in a sport, he was there, grinning from ear to ear. He did not mind loudly bragging to everyone that could hear that if te was not for his grandkid or great grandkid it would not even be a game worth watching.

Billy is fondly remembered as someone with a stubborn streak and he did not mind that whatsoever, he took pride in it. He ruled with a firm, yet soft hand, made a lasting impact and lived his life with upstanding morals and character. Everything that Billy did was for the love of his family, he had true grit, his faith and his honor is something that most people can only hope to achieve.

The family would like to thank Neal and Brandy Jackson for being more like family than neighbors to Billy for the last several years, he did cherish that relationship and appreciated all that they did for him.

Billy was member of Highland Church of Christ for the majority of his life.
He is survived by his son, Jeff Davis and wife Liane of Tuscola; daughter, Rachel Davis-Finch and Billy Finch of Abilene; son, Chad Davis and wife Heather of Merkel; grandchildren, Will Davis-Ruiz; Cole Davis; Cory Davis and wife Becky; Kaitlyn Davis; Chase Davis; and Andrew Finch; great grandchildren, Harper, Sawyer, Ely and Ellie. He is also survived by brothers, Harold W. Davis of Alamogordo, NM; Bobby N. Davis of Bartlesville OK; Ronald C. Davis of Arlington; sisters, Charlene Williams of Dallas; Linda Brothers of College Station; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by Patricia Davis, parents Ray and Dixie Davis, and one brother Dearl M. Davis.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Buffalo Gap Meals on Wheels, 1142 William St, Buffalo Gap, Tx 79508