Charles Hilton Davis' Obituary
Charles Hilton Davis passed away peacefully January 22nd at the age of 97. He was born and raised in Dallas to parents Frank and Fay Davis. After graduating from Adamson High School, he joined the Navy at 17 where he served on the U.S.S. Wake Island. He fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Guam until his ship was so badly hit by a Kamikaze it had to be escorted back to NYC through contested waters. Recently he returned to Iwo Jima to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the historic battle where he was able to reminisce with other American and Japanese survivors.
Hilton went on to receive a Business degree from UNT as well as a Master’s degree in Education. While working for Braniff Airlines in Amarillo he met and fell hard for beautiful Pat Forman. They married 6 weeks later, and went on to enjoy 71 loving years of marriage. The newlyweds moved to the Dallas White Rock Lake area where they raised their family. Hilton worked for DISD as a teacher, beloved coach, and school principal for 39 years.
After retiring, Pat and Hilton traveled (28 cruises and several European vacations), played golf, tennis, and helped bring pickleball to Dallas (well before millennials hogged the courts). He tirelessly volunteered for Meals on Wheels, The Stew Pot, and Munger Place. He faithfully attended White Rock United Methodist Church.
A lifelong avid sports fan, Hilton experienced the ups and downs of the various Cowboys eras and the frustrating dry spells of the Mavericks. Finally, he was able to experience a Texas Rangers World Series win!
Five Star Premier Residences has been a wonderful home for Hilton and Pat where they met new friends, hosted old friends and spent their days playing cards and games and generally enjoyed life in retirement.
His strong Christian faith, his wife, grandchildren and dear friends brought him the most joy. Hilton’s good nature, kindness, integrity, and sense of humor were contagious.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Pat Davis, his sister Jean Nolen, and three children; Judi Bruegger (Joe) of Dallas, Nicki Keers (Malcolm) of Wilton CT., and Bob Davis (Ellen) of Cypress Inn, TN. He had 8 grandchildren, Shannon Threat, Dakota Davis, Forest Davis, Katie Waterman, Ali Bruegger, Davis Bruegger, Mac Keers, Robbie Keers, and one great granddaughter Asiya Threat.
The family will have a viewing at Restland from 2 to 4 P.M. on Sunday Feb. 4th. On Monday, Feb. 5th there will be the burial and Flag Ceremony at 10:15 A.M. at the DFW National Cemetery, followed by the funeral at 2 P.M. in the Memorial Chapel at Restland. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to the North Texas Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.
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