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DAVIS, GEORGE E., JR.
A much-loved father and grandfather, George E. Davis, Jr., age 86, of Gainesville, Florida passed away on Monday, October 14, 2013. He was born in Gainesville, on August 21, 1927 to George and Nonie Bell Davis.
In 1945, he graduated from Gainesville High School. George then began working at Koppers to put himself through the University of Florida graduating with honors and obtained a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree in 1951. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduation, he began his career as Vice-President for production of a mining firm, Edgar Plastic Kaolin Company in Johnson, Florida. Later, he entered the oil world and represented two other companies before teaming with Exxon and in 1962, established Davis Oil Company. For numerous years he concentrated on building gasoline volume though dealers and commercial accounts in addition to home heating oil. In 1969, detecting a trend away from home heating oil with buyers and contractors stipulating gas and electric heat, he ventured into the distribution of propane gas. In 2012, Davis Gas Company celebrated fifty years servicing Alachua and surrounding counties. As the last family-owned propane gas company serving Alachua County, the third generation continues to direct the company into the 21st century.
With a desire to never quit growing and a love for Western North Carolina, in 1973 George expanded his business ventures to Cashiers, North Carolina where he became one of the first farmers in the area to grow Fraser Fir Christmas trees. Today The North Carolina Christmas Tree Industry is ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested.
In addition to his business endeavors George has been on the Board of Directors for the Florida Methodist Children's Home and Bethune Cookman College. In 2012, he received a sixty-year certificate honoring his membership as a Master Mason of Hawthorne Lodge, Hawthorne, FL.
He is survived by his daughter, Trish Davis of Cashiers, NC; daughter, Cindy Souther and husband Roby, of Kirkwood, Il; son Gene Davis and wife Sharon, of Gainesville, FL; grandsons Jared Souther, Jake Souther and granddaughters Wendy Bye, Sara Hiatt, Shannon Davis, and Kristen Davis and eight great grandchildren. In addition he is survived by his brother-in-law, Ricky Reichert; nephew, Colby Reichert and three great nephews, Joe, David, and Jon. His sister, Lottie Mae Reichert, preceded him in death.
In celebration of his life a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wesley United Methodist Church, 826 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609. He was proud and honored to be a charter member of the church. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Trish, we just learned of your Dad's passing and we are so sorry. Loved the stories when you worked with us & George was such a sweet, delightful man.Know you have special memories and we want you to know that we had a place in our hearts for George. Love,Blair & Margaret
January 25, 2014
Dear Cindy, Trish and Gene, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have fond memories of our familys' fellowship at Wesley Methodist. I want
you to know I'm thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely,
Barbara Coleman Nixon
November 29, 2013
Trish, Cynthia, and, Gene. Tom and I are saddened at the loss of your Dad, He was always so kind and gracious to Tom and me. We hold lots of good times and memories of him. We do not realize how temporary life is until we lose a loved one. May God Bless each and everyone of you during this sad time. Your Cousin, Linda
Linda Black
October 18, 2013
Trish,Cindy and Gene, have great memories thru out the years. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your family.
Linda Hunt
October 18, 2013
We are sorry to hear of Mr. George's passing. May God's peace comfort you'll at this.
Jeffrey Williams
October 18, 2013
Gene, Sharon, Shannon, Kristen, Trisha, Jake, and all the other family; Steve and I are so saddened by sweet Mr. George's passing. He was a kind and joyful man who always took a personal interest in each of us and in our children and families as well. We will miss him tremendously and loved him so. God bless you and comfort you.
Helene and Steve Mikell
October 18, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Marty and I have good memories of George, and even visiting his Christmas tree farm in NC. I enjoyed getting to know him better while working with him at ReQuest.
Carol Huegel
October 18, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Milam Funeral and Cremation Services311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601-1803
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