Lawrence Everett Davis, Jr.

(Nov. 5, 1933 - April 4, 2020)

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Lawrence Everett Davis, Jr. was called home to our Lord on April 4, 2020, peacefully in his home in Powell. He exceeded the odds and lived a long, happy life in spite of many health issues. Larry was a very happy man, such a kind, gentle soul who absolutely loved his life.

Larry was born on Nov. 5, 1933, in Wood River, Illinois, to Lawrence Everett Davis, Sr. and Thelma Elizabeth (Spann) Davis. Right after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was awarded many ribbons, and medals. He served in the Korean War, and while he was on leave in California, he met the absolute love of his life, Dixie Edna Keele. Larry was shipped out shortly after that meeting, and their courtship consisted of nine months over mail. When the war was over, he was stationed in California.

Two weeks after he returned, Larry married his beloved bride, Dixie, whom he cherished and loved his entire life. They had the fairytale love, that one can only imagine having in their lifetime, all the way until his very end. They were married for 66 years, and to this union three sons were born: Lawrence Everett Davis, III, and twins, Scott Lee and Dean Leon.

While in the Navy, Larry began his training as an aircraft mechanic and inspector. He was extremely smart and detail-oriented, which earned him special certification in composite repair. He was called upon to teach classes due to his specialized skills. Early on in his career while employed by Lockheed, he worked on the rockets for space exploration. And even into his 60s, he was flown to different areas of the country to do specific jobs on aircraft that only he had knowledge of.

Larry had numerous interests and talents. He had an associate of business degree, and he had passed his real estate exam. In addition to being an inventor, he was an avid musician and songwriter. He and Dixie wrote several hit songs together, and he was the lead in their band Nashville West. They were later inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He played every kind of guitar imaginable, and he loved our family dinners when he would pull them out and have impromptu jam sessions with his grandsons. They would always get us laughing! Larry was a man of great accomplishments, and intelligence.

Larry was the ultimate patriarch of our very large family. His kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, and everyone looked up to him as the ultimate father figure. He was so loved by all who came into his path.

He made many friends here in Powell, and he and Dixie loved their Sunday bingo time. An upstanding and extremely honest man, he was a Christian and loved the Lord so much. Larry’s favorite times were when he would get the family together for one of Gram’s big dinners. He loved a good meal and would crack us up when he was going to “eat the fire” out of his food. Larry would exclaim that phrase with such happiness and excitement and to this day, it is one of our favorite phrases of his. Family was everything to him, and his face would absolutely light up whenever any of his family or friends would walk in the door. Larry will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. For those of us left behind, we have so many years of memories and stories to share together.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Betty, and Myrtle, his brother, Rodney, and his grandchild, James.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Dixie, of Powell; son Larry (Nancy) of Powell; son Scott of Oregon; son Dean of Montana; sister DeLores Smith of Alabama; granddaughters Angel (Carl) Olson of Powell; Mandi (Mike) Gratzmiller of Los Angeles, California; Dixie Davis of Powell; grandson Larry (Megan) Davis of Powell; granddaughters Scottie (Wayne) Mathis of Washington; Megan (Cory) Davis of Oregon; grandsons Dean Davis of Washington and Ben Davis of Washington; great-granddaughters Avrianna, Gabrielle, Angelina, Paisley, Ivy and great-grandsons Leif (Emily), Gavin, Ezra, Noah, Elias, and Micah.

There will be a private celebration of Larry’s wonderful life at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

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