Mike Davis

Mike Davis lived the epitome of the American Dream. A man of humble beginnings who worked hard to earn a full comfortable life. He married his high-school sweetheart, took care of his family, stood by his word and his friends and enjoyed the nature that surrounded him.
Fort Smith, Arkansas was the town he was born (November 18, 1952) and raised his whole life. While he lost his Dad at age 14 to a World War II contracted condition, and was raised by a stoic mother, he didn't let this define his life. His local grandmother, lovingly nicknamed Bamboo, and his Aunt Hazelle and their families from Lonoke, Arkansas stepped in to nurture him and encourage the inquisitive but serious kid that was always taking machines apart.
Mike met his wife of 55 years, Sandra, in 11th grade. He joined her after graduation to attend the University of Arkansas where they also welcomed the birth of their daughter Stephanie.
It was slim days. Mike bagged groceries while going to school full time to take care of his small family. Their starter home was a trailer. But they found community in their married student neighbors and managed to really enjoy those days. He was very proud to be the first person in his family to receive a college degree.
Mike had the enviable position of being courted by several companies upon earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering but decided on Tenneco Oil in New Orleans. Quite the culture shift after a small-town upbringing. But boy did they enjoy it. And then they brought a son into the world, Ryan.
As is standard in the Oil Industry, the family embarked on a series of moves. Enid, Oklahoma, Grand Junction, Colorado, back to New Orleans in the form of Slidell, then Northern Virginia, then Slidell again, then Houston, Baton Rouge and finally Slidell when he retired at the age of 64 from Exxon Mobil. But he also traveled to far reaching corners of the world to offer professional expertise in Venezuela, Italy, Aruba, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Mexico, Singapore, Qatar and Dubai.
He enjoyed each of these locales and the best they had to offer. Took in all the spicy culture of food, music, parades and good times of New Orleans. Bought his first home, discovered Mexican food, worked on old British roadster convertibles in Oklahoma. Learned to ski in Colorado. Started to hunt and fish, a great passion, in Slidell. Canoed and watched steeplechase horse racing in Virginia. Cheered on the Astros, saw his kids married, gained grandchildren and thankfully was in Houston during Katrina. He delved into these pursuits with his family, all while doing an excellent job of being a solid father and husband - supporting his wife, raising two active, spirited kids and getting them off to college.
Discovering the presence of a rare form of HHT and the health issues it caused led to his retirement. It slowed Mike down for sure, but he fought and gained an extra 10+ years. All the time he made big efforts to spend time with his children and grandchildren plus go on hunting trips and fished on his boat at the Tally Ho Club. One of his favorite places. And the place where he ultimately left us on November 18, 2025. His 73rd birthday.
He is loved and survived by his wife Sandra Davis, his children Stephanie Davis and Ryan Davis and wife Kristi, his grandchildren Davis (Sol) Sanoja, Hunter and Brynn Davis. He was preceded by his father W.C. Davis, mother Thelma Davis and brother Bill Davis.
Funeral Services will be held on November 30, 2025 at Audubon Funeral Home, 61101 Highway 11, in Slidell. Visitation from 2-3:30 pm. Service begins at 3:30pm. The family invites you back to their home following the event to share stories and remember all the lovely memories of Mike.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cure HHT in his name.