Ray Davis

1937 - 2023

RAY DAVIS

December 20, 1937 - October 7, 2023

MURPHYS, California - Ray Allen Davis passed away on October 7, 2023, in San Andreas, CA.

A longtime resident of Calaveras County, many of Ray's happiest times were spent engaging with his community. He could often be seen around town, volunteering with the Calaveras County Fair, supporting their many programs through outside sales and in roles at the Calaveras Chamber of Commerce. Ray enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sharing a laugh and a meal. He had great enthusiasm for travel and connecting people, especially when reuniting his extended Swiss and American families in the small Swiss alpine village, where his great-grandparents had emigrated from, decades prior.

Born December 20, 1937, Ray was raised in Modesto where he enjoyed growing up with his older brother, Hal. In addition to Modesto, the two also spent time in Los Banos, learning the tough work of dairy farming at their father's ranch. In 1960, Ray earned his Business degree from the University of Oregon and became a passionate alumni and lifelong supporter of the Oregon Ducks, still watching every football game he could.

After graduating college, he proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He often reminisced about the positive impact his military days had on his life. Ray married his first wife, Joan, and started a family. Following his military career, Ray began a civilian career in sales. He excelled as a career salesman, spending many years at General Electric, then RCA Corporation (later known as Thomson Consumer Electronics). He enjoyed friendly conversation and effectively closing a sale in a style that left everyone feeling they had won.

Ray helped raise three children: two daughters, Laura and Alexis and a son, Wayne, always instilling in them the confidence that comes from being loved and encouraged unconditionally. He shared a special bond with his granddaughter, Sofia, treasuring their time together. He was a kind and loved father-in-law to Andy and Dave.

During his adult life, Ray lived close to his alma mater in Springfield, Oregon, near the McKenzie River, and in various locations around the San Francisco Bay Area. He finally settled in Calaveras County: first in Angels Camp, then up to snowy Dorrington, and finally to a home near downtown in Murphys.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Laura Davis (Andrew Gruver) and granddaughter, Sofia Davis Gruver of Berkeley CA; daughter Alexis Davis (David Millar) of El Cerrito, CA; son Wayne Davis of Las Vegas, NV; and sister-in-law, Barbara Davis of Sonora, CA.

He is pre-deceased by his wife Lynn Davis (also mother of son, Wayne); mother Virginia Pierce (and stepfather Harry Pierce); father Hal Davis (and stepmother Helen Davis); brother Hal Davis, Jr. and great-grandmother Virginia Mettier.

It's been so heartwarming to hear the stories from friends and family of the impact Ray had on others' lives. He elected to forego formal memorial services, but we're sure he'd appreciate a casual toast in his honor, when you next think of him. In lieu of flowers, for anyone wishing to donate in his memory, the family is requesting donations be directed to: The Calaveras County Fair Scholarship Fund. (info@frogtown.org)