Clarence Davis, Sr.'s Obituary
Born: November 15, 1924 in Colorado Died: July 30, 2016 in Richardson, Texas Aged: 91 years, 8 months, 15 days Married: October 12, 1945 to Hazel Jane Martin Adopted: Clarence E. “Butch” Davis, Jr. on March 6, 1958 Career: • May, 1941 – Graduated Toler, Texas High School • 1941 to 1947 – US Army Air Corps – Served as an Instructor for Flight Engineers for bombers, including B-17, B-25, and B-29 aircraft • 1947 to 1949 – Worked in the Sporting Goods industry in Los Alamos, New Mexico • 1949 to 1960 – Worked as a Regional Sales Manager for American Chicle Company • 1960 to 1967 – Joined Russell, Berquist, Covey Company as a junior partner in the Food Brokerage Business • 1967 to 1970 – Served a General Sales Manager for Holiday Cleaning & Laundry • July 28, 1970 – Formed Gene’s Auto Interiors, which subsequently grew into Davis Auto Reconditioning, and later became Mobile Auto Trim, Inc. This firm grew from a one-man operation, into a multi-state firm, offering automotive trim and reconditioning franchise opportunities nationwide. He retired from this industry in 2007. Gene Davis was the son of a farming family, whose roots stretch from Georgia to Texas. Moving around between Colorado, Texas and Arkansas as a child, he decided at an early age that he DID NOT want to be a farmer when he grew up. Finishing high school a year early, he convinced his mother to sign a permission slip for him to join the US Army Air Corps just prior to his 17th birthday, and just prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Within a few months, he was promoted to Drill Sergeant at Brook Field in San Antonio, where he served until moving to engineering school. After completing this mighty task, he served the remainder of the war as an engineering instructor for the ever-evolving line-up of bombers produced throughout the war. While stationed in Shreveport, he met the love of his life, Hazel Jane “Cookie” Martin, whom he married “on a dare” on October 12, 1945. This “dare” lasted for almost 57 years, until she preceded him in death on July 2, 2002. During this stretch of time, they tried to have children, but were unsuccessful. Finally, in March, 1958, God answered their prayers, and arranged for a baby boy to find need of an adoptive home, which Gene and Cookie were happy to provide. Gene always looked for ways to help out people in need. Whether it was a family member or employee, or simply someone he just met, he always looked for ways to help. Many times throughout the course of his life, he would sacrifice to give to others, both in money and time. He was always eager to volunteer as a scout leader and coach for Butch and his friends, and as a supporter for his many nieces and nephews when they had needs that others couldn’t meet. His heart always guided his actions, often to the detriment of his wallet. Gene was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed scuba diving, fishing, camping and hunting, passions he eagerly shared with his many friends and family. He was always ready to teach a kid how to tie a proper knot in his or her fishing line, bait a hook, or clean a fish. He was quick to stress that guns were NOT toys, and were to be treated with respect as the weapons they are. He had a profound respect for nature, and was a true environmentalist, even before it became the “right” thing to do. He believed that nature was God’s creation, and should be treated as a treasure. Gene had a strong moral compass, fortified by his Baptist upbringing. He always taught that things were either right or wrong, with very few “grey” areas. He gave his life to Jesus at age 17, right after he joined the Air Corps. He didn’t maintain a strong connection to any denominational viewpoint, but strongly believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith carried him through many tough times over the course of hi 91+ years. His professional legacy began in 1970, and carried on through 2007, when he finally was unable to physically meet the demands. He always desired to have his own business, and the string of Gene’s Auto Interiors, Davis Auto Reconditioning, Mobile Auto Trim, and, finally, All-Pro Specialty Services, fulfilled that dream. Gene was a true entrepreneur, creating a multitude of imaginative ways to improve the appearance of used vehicles, as well as customize the appearance of new vehicles. He employed over 150 individuals during the life of his companies, creating all of these jobs from nothing. Once his company grew to multi-state status, he loved to supervise it by traveling in his beloved Holiday Rambler motor home. He was always striving to have “the best month ever”, and never lost his drive for success. As a husband, he provided a loving home and good living for his wife. He and Hazel persevered and loved each other deeply through good times and bad. He stayed by her side, often sacrificing his business, through 11 years of battling the COPD that ultimately ended her life in 2002. As a father, he always made sure that his son had the support he needed to be the best he could be. He taught a STRONG conviction of right and wrong, and made sure his son understood that all of his decisions carried consequences – good or bad – depending on the nature of the decision. Gene has now gone home to his Lord Jesus Christ, and is now celebrating his salvation with all of his loved ones who preceded him. He leaves behind his only son, Butch, along with his daughter-in-law Rhonda, his grandsons Ben and Brent Davis, his granddaughters Laura and Stephanie Staicer, granddaughter-in-law Sigourney Davis, great granddaughter Madyson, and a host of nieces and nephews. We will all miss him dearly, but know that we will see him again when we all meet for our reunion in heaven. Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, August 5, 2016 at 9:30AM in The Abbey Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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