George Edward Davis April 14, 1943 ~ February 23, 2025 (age 81)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Edward Davis on Sunday, February 23, 2025.   A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sat., Mar. 1, 2025 in the Wheeler Mortuary Chapel with Michael Harmon officiating.  The members of the Desert Cruzers Car Club and his golfing friends will be honorary pallbearers.   The family will receive friends at the Hampton Inn, 224-A Fairway Terrace in Clovis on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM.

George was born on April 14, 1943, in Clovis, NM, to Joe L. and Edna Davis. His entry into this world was nothing short of miraculous; the doctor initially believed he had delivered a stillborn, but a compassionate nurse noticed George’s struggle to breathe and intervened, saving his life. Despite weighing less than three pounds at just six weeks old, dressed in his sister’s doll clothes and cradled in a shoebox, he grew into a robust young man, eventually reaching the towering height of 6’4”, just like his brothers.

In his youth, George enjoyed cruising Main Street with his friend, Jeep Westbrook, while Dianne Baldridge and her friend Carol Bell made their own memories. Through the connection of cousins Carol and Jeep, George and Dianne met, and their love blossomed, leading to their marriage at the 16th & Pile Church of Christ on August 28, 1964. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Jason Scott in 1970 and Ethan John in 1974.

George took immense pride in his Choctaw heritage, tracing his roots back to his father, an original enrollee in the tribe. He ensured that he and his sons were also enrolled, earning him the affectionate nickname “Chief” among friends.

Following in his older brother’s footsteps, George was an avid athlete, playing sandlot ball with neighborhood kids. He participated in Little League, Connie Mack League, and school teams, continuing to enjoy sports in adulthood through local baseball and basketball leagues. Later, he embraced golf, cherishing the time spent on the course with friends, where laughter and camaraderie were just as important as the game itself.

As a devoted father, George was his sons’ biggest supporter, actively involved in their sports and activities. He coached Ethan’s Little League basketball team and was a dedicated CHS Band Booster, trip sponsor, and concession stand worker during Jason’s high school years.

After high school, George embarked on a diverse career path, working for Golden West Feed, the City of Clovis, and as a pipefitter for the Santa Fe Railroad. When his railroad craft was abolished, he briefly worked for the Burns Agency before becoming the Head of Maintenance for DeBaca Family Hospital, where he played a vital role in its transition to a clinic before his retirement.

George’s creativity flourished through welding, a skill he learned as a pipefitter. He began crafting stick figures for fun, which evolved into creating Western-style objects from horseshoe nails. A daring project led to his distinctive models of steam engines and coal cars, and eventually to beautifully crafted horses, including Arabian, quarter horse, and thoroughbred designs. He delighted in sharing his work at shows, civic events, and school groups.

A passionate collector of antiques, George amassed an impressive collection of oil lamps and various treasures. His talent for restoring antique furniture was remarkable, transforming pieces that others deemed beyond repair into stunning works of art.

Together with Dianne, George was an active member of the Desert Cruzers Car Club, participating in events and meets with their cherished 1940 Ford sedan.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 60½ years, Dianne; his sons Jason of Lubbock and Ethan of Clovis; his brother, Jimmy Davis; sisters-in-law Marie Davis and Debra Bilberry; and brother-in-law Rodney (Steve) Stein. He also leaves behind a cherished extended family of nieces and nephews who held him dear.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Joe Roy, Cecil, and Bruce Davis; his sisters Patsy Everson, Darline Stein, Gloria Jean Davis, and Joyce Ann Davis; his half siblings, Lawrence Davis as well as Francille Grant and Louise Purifoy; his sisters-in-law Joyce, Winny, and Alice Davis; and his brothers-in-law Gordon Everson, Monty Bilberry, and Richard Baldridge.

George Edward Davis will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his vibrant spirit, and the lasting legacy of joy and kindness he leaves behind. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Edward Davis, please visit our floral store.