Franklin Reid Davis

Franklin Reid Davis, 92, of Wylie, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. The only child of Nelson Reid Davis and Marcella Bugg Davis. His formative years were spent in Ft. Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas. After graduating from Fayetteville High School, he graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1955 and then was drafted into the US Army where he served from 1955-1957 in Korea. Reid lived a full life marked by dedication to family, friends, service, and a deep love of the outdoors.
Reid's love story began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at a diner where he spotted his future bride, Virginia Lee "Ginger" Blanton, through the pie rack. They married in December 1959 and celebrated their honeymoon at the Cotton Bowl and the brand new NorthPark Mall in Dallas-a fitting start to 65 years of life together.
Reid built a distinguished career with DuPont, a path that took his growing family across the country. From Oklahoma City, where their children Tracy and Marie were born, to brief stays in St. Louis, MO and six memorable years in Salt Lake City, UT-where skiing and Utah's natural beauty left lasting impressions-and later to Cupertino, CA and NLR, AR, where both children graduated high school and followed their father's footsteps to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Reid finished his career in Santa Rosa, CA, before he and Ginger settled into retirement.
A devoted father and grandfather, Reid made family adventures a priority. He and Ginger traveled to 48 of the 50 states with Tracy and Marie, creating memories that would span generations. His seven grandchildren-Tyler Davis (& wife Emilie), Marlee Davis, Margaret Davis, Joshua Verkler (& wife Abigail), Grace Verkler Marcoe (& husband Alex), Caleb Verkler (& wife Catie) Joy Verkler-and five great-grandchildren-Addison, Cooper, Brooks, Tess Davis, and Jonathan Verkler-brought him great joy.
Reid's passion for the outdoors never waned. Throughout retirement, he remained active in hiking and biking clubs, and residents of Wylie often saw him on local streets, trails, or visiting the library and gym. He attended the United Methodist Church in Sachse, TX. He was a member of Al-Anon for more than 20 years and a devoted volunteer for Alateen helping others find their path to recovery.
After living in Sun City West, AZ, they moved Sun City Georgetown, TX to be near their son Tracy, Lori and family. They later moved to Wylie, TX to be near daughter Marie, Mark and their family. In November 2024, they moved to a care facility where Reid spent his final days.
Reid is survived by his beloved wife, Ginger; son Tracy Davis and his wife Lori; daughter Gaye Marie Verkler and her husband Mark; his grandchildren and their spouses; and his great-grandchildren.
A life well-traveled, well-lived, and dedicated to helping others-Reid Davis will be deeply missed by all who knew him.