Jimmy Ray Davis

Jimmy Ray Davis, 87, of Hart, Texas, passed from this life on August 24, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. A remembrance of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Hart Cemetery under the care of Colonial Funeral Home, with Dr. Matt Baird officiating. A visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Dimmitt, Texas on August 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Jimmy Ray was born in Brownfield, Texas, to Harvey Carol Davis and Delphia Marie Davis on April 29, 1938. The family moved to Hart in 1946. He married the love of his life, Greta Mae Hackler, on December 15, 1958, in Hart's First Baptist Church.

Jimmy Ray was a loving husband, devoted dad, lifelong farmer, musician, inventor, and friend to many.

Jimmy Ray was a master with his hands. He began farming while in high school. As a young man, he took the motor from his car to use as a well engine to water crops in the family farm operation. This allowed the farm to prosper and later formed into H.C. Davis and Sons. Jimmy Ray became a skilled builder, working countless hours in his shop with steel to build pieces of equipment for the farm.

After the farm became established, he, along with his Father and brother, Harvey and Weldon, Paul Brooks, Thomas Brooks, Don Vaughn, and Arthur Guzman, founded Hart of the Plains Pump and Irrigation, Inc., which has served the surrounding area for more than 40 years. Jimmy Ray held a patent for his invention of the RUTCO sprinkler mover.

He was also an avid restorer of antique farm tractors, bringing many vintage tractors back to life. He restored his prized possession, a 1931 Model A car, from the ground up, searching far and wide for original parts to complete the project. He and Greta loved showcasing it in area parades and shows.

Jimmy Ray could play almost any musical instrument put in front of him by ear. He became an accomplished banjo, guitar, and mandolin player. He loved attending bluegrass festivals when time allowed and performed at many local events.

Jimmy Ray loved his community. He and Greta were honored as Parade Marshals for Hart Days in 2017, and he was selected as Hart's Man of the Year. They were also members of the Plainview Antique Car Club. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Hart, Texas.

Jimmy Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Greta; a son, Michael Ray; and his brothers, Roger and Weldon Davis.

He is survived by his daughter Dianne Davis; his daughter Donna and husband Mike Hodges; and his son Jamey and wife Lisa Davis. He is also survived by his sisters, Marie Clevenger and Jo Light, and brother-in-law Floyd Light.

He was a proud Papaw to his six grandchildren: Chloe and husband Keegan Bell; Alyssa and husband Todd Borland; Casin Hodges; Emily Davis and Matt Horan; Chelsey and husband Kade Blount; and Jaley and husband Alec Pinkerton; along with four great-grandchildren: Nova Bell, Raylee Borland, Kohen Blount, and Maci Bell. His legacy will live on through them.

Honorary pallbearers: Leslie Davis, Guy Scoggin, Gary Clevenger, Scotty Clevenger, Jonathan Light, David Light, Billy McClenney, Jeff McClenney, and Felipe Guerrero Sr.

Memorials in honor of Jimmy Ray can be made to First Baptist Church of Hart, the Hart Cemetery Fund, or a charity of your choice.

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