Dates
Butch Davis was born on June 21, 1939 in Robert Lee, Texas to Emory Copeland “DooDad” and Corena “Tena” Davis. Surrounded by his family, he passed from this world on August 22, 2015 at the age of 76.
Butch grew up in Robert Lee, Texas and was the youngest of four brothers. He graduated from Robert Lee High School in 1957 and attended San Angelo College. He was a talented musician, but speech was his favorite class.
In the summer of 1958, at a baseball game in his hometown, Butch laid eyes on Carolyn Sue Johnson, who was in town visiting her sister. Less than a year later, he drove across three states to marry his Mississippi girl. They were married 56 years and had three children, Donna, Barry, and Carrie. During their life together, they called many towns home, including Robert Lee, Sweetwater, Mertzon, San Angelo, and Seguin. Strong in his faith, he was a Christian and a Baptist.
Butch Davis loved his family, but also had a passion for business. His working life began in the Coke County Courthouse; he soon moved on to the retail sector. He was a talented and highly respected businessman. He was happiest meeting and greeting people while walking the aisles of B & W Merchandise and Del-Tex Candy Company. He continued his career as a business owner. He owned and operated grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail operations in San Angelo, Robert Lee, and Bronte. Butch loved his customers, and they loved him. He truly never met a stranger.
After retirement, Butch devoted his life and his time to his family. He and Carolyn traveled throughout the United States together, and time spent on trips in the RV brought him joy. Butch was the kind of father who always had time for his children and grandchildren. He loved long phone conversations and visits, and you could count on him to make you laugh with his quick wit. Butch was fair-minded and an optimist, traits he passed on to his family.
He was civic minded too, receiving recognition from many organizations and clubs he supported along the way. He served as a Director of the West Texas Boys Ranch and was a member of the Robert Lee School Board. He was named the NCWA Candy Distributor of the Year, an award he treasured.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Corena and Emory Davis, and his brothers, Vaughn Davis and Garland Davis.
Butch is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Davis, of San Angelo; his children, Donna Poehls of Bronte, Barry Davis and wife Leigh of Southlake, and Carrie Westbrook and husband Bobby of Christoval; his brother, Waymond “Copie” Davis and wife Jean of Dime Box; his grandchildren, Brandon Poehls and wife Jennifer, Will Davis, Lindsay Davis, Jackson Davis, Keeley Westbrook, and Emily Westbrook; his great-granddaughter, Hannah Poehls; his sister-in-law, Peggy Davis of Robert Lee; and a host of special family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Poehls, Will Davis, Jackson Davis, Jacky Preslar, Waid Davis, Glenn Davis, Gary Davis, and Copie Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Neil, Albert Cobb, William “Bill” Havins, and Weldon Kidd.
Visitation will be held at Shaffer Funeral Home in Robert Lee, Texas on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 6pm-8pm. A service celebrating the life of Butch Davis will be held graveside at the Robert Lee Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Hayrick Lodge Cemetery Association, 981 Paint Creek Road, Robert Lee, Texas 76945 or a charity of your choice.
The family is grateful for the compassion and care shown by Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.