Gerald Leon Davis' Obituary
Gerald Leon Davis, age 92, of Garland, Texas went to his eternal home on July 7, 2022. Gerald was born to Bryan and Nola Davis on March 28, 1930, the 4th born of 4 children. He was raised during the depression in Erath County, about 10 miles outside of Stephenville, Texas. The family owned a farm and raised almost all of their food on the “homeplace”. Life was hard and demanding. The Davis children grew up with a clear understanding of what was expected of them and a strong sense of pride in a job well done. This legacy has been passed down through out the generations.
Gerald attended school in Huckabay, Texas in a one room classroom. After graduation, he attended Tarleton State for 2 years, then transferred to Texas A&M with a degree in Agricultural Education. He was a lifelong Aggie, and EVERYONE knew it within a few moments of meeting him! As all Aggies of time, he belonged to the Corps. He graduated from A&M in 1951 with the rank of Lt. in the Army. Upon graduation, the army took him to New Orleans, New York, Greenland, and Texas. There would not be a proper representation of Gerald Davis if not to acknowledge his love for all things A&M. Never did you see him without his class ring, which he wore on the 4th finger of his left hand for all the years after he graduated. His home was populated with many types of Aggie memorabilia, and Aggie War Hymn was almost sacred music to him. It is likely that he considered being an Aggie to be one of his greatest affiliations.
The Army helped develop a love of leadership and entrepreneurship in his spirit. He was on a ship cooking on an Army expedition to Greenland. Upon returning home, he began his career as a restaurateur. During the 1960s he owned two cafés’: The Davis Café and later Gerald’s Restaurant, both in Oak Cliff.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Mary Davis; daughters Janice Holson and Karen Coffman; sons, Jackie Munday and David Munday; adopted daughter Nan Leff; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was affectionately known by the flocks of teenagers that congregated at his house as “Big Daddy”. Indeed, standing at 6’4” and broad shouldered, the name was appropriate. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as “Papa”.
Gerald was a complex man with many interests. He enjoyed games of chance. Gardening was a great pastime for him. His tomatoes were remarkable. He loved sports, and as a young man played basketball for Huckabay and Tarleton State. He was an avid football fan, though not always for the Cowboys, to the chagrin of some of his kids. One thing was certain, if a game was on, he was watching!
He had a love of family and family gatherings. He baked 100s of pies and cakes over his lifetime. He tried to make everyone’s favorite wherever he went. His piecrust was legendary, and he loved teaching tutorials to ensure the art would not be lost.
Gerald stepped to the beat of his own drum. He did not always follow in the paths that his family or friends expected. He did what he considered to be “right” and was willing to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as a result.
He had many, many friends. He was a member of St. Philips Methodist Church in Garland where he enjoyed fellowship gatherings and where he met his lovely wife, Mary. He was an extremely intelligent, caring and thoughtful person that will be forever missed.
Finally, it is appropriate to consider the lyrics of the Frank Sinatra song, My Way, with regard to him.
“I’ve live a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way.”
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
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Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
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