He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Leslie; his daughters, Jessica Lyn, Niveah Nichole, and Savanna Lyn; his devoted parents, Linwood Mitchell and Mary Craig Crockett Davis; brother, Gregg Mitchell and wife, Nita Gail Davis; godparents uncle and aunt, A.V. and Phyllis Davis; his former wife, mother of Jessica, Shelby M. Davis; father-in-law. Donald W. Weaver; his two step-daughters, Heather and husband David Dudley and Tiffany Anne Kardys, five grand-children, Colton William Shifflett, Jace Dillon Davis, Ashlynn Marie and Landon Allen Dudley, and Trevor Edmond Kardys; his nephew Gregg Mitchell and wife, Mollie L. Davis, cousins, Gail E. Davis, Deanna Davis McGlothlin, Marianne Hall Barbour, Kenneth Hall, Susan Hall Bruno, Brenda Hall Perkins, Kathryn Hall Bentley, Marsha Hall Green, Sharon Hall Frazier, and Mike Hall of the Davis/Hall families, and many other special cousins. Longtime friends, Ted "Cory" Barnett, Jim "Jimbo" Barbour, James Frazier, and Teresa and Billy Johnson also survive Gary.Gary was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and a true blue friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Kissenburger Davis; paternal grandparents, Randolph T. and Lillian Hall Davis; and his maternal grandparents Harold and Kathleen Kissenburger; mother-in-law Patsy Thompson Weaver; and his cousin Gloria J. Davis and husband John Bolt.

Gary was born in Alexandria, Virginia (but always claimed he was a true Boonesvillian from birth as he loved it so) on September 18, 1956.

He graduated from Albemarle High School in 1975 and soon thereafter, joined the United States Army where he served his country proudly while stationed in Fort Worth, Texas, and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Gary began his employment with the Albemarle County School System where he retired after 30 years of service. After enjoying retirement for a few years, he joined the staff at Albemarle County Parks and Recreations where he was instrumental in breathing life into the Patricia Anne Byrom Forest Preserve and many other Albemarle County Parks.

Gary was genuine to the bone and had a sense of humor second to none. He cherished his family, friends, and never met a stranger. He welcomed all to his home "Mandalay" in Boonesville where he built many friendships that became as close as family. He loved a good joke; his Friday afternoon rides with his Dad through the mountains of his home, a good party, and "happy hour" at his "Man Cave" with his closet friends and family. Gary was a lover of bluegrass music, gardening, and taking meticulous care of the land at his home. He was his happiest while at home and preferred staying close. His eyes were bright and his smile and laugh infectious.

Gary had a positive outlook on life that became even stronger following his diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer in June 2014. He had a strong determination to overcome this terrible disease. He was our "Cancer Warrior" and "Chemo Sabe" and wanted nothing more than to stay with his family as long as he could. One of his last hopes was to be able to attend this year's "Boonesville Bash".Gary had a strong faith and belief in God that grew stronger as his time on earth grew neigh. We are thankful for the time he spent learning about God's promises with Roger Browning.

The Davis family would like to thank family, friends, community members, and all of the "Davis Strong" supporters for the love and support that has been shown during Gary's battle. Your love and generosity has touched our hearts and helped make Gary's battle easier to bear. The family would also like to thank Dr. Bruce D. Campbell for his care and above all his friendship to Gary; Dr. Robert Pritchert, Dr. Sylvia Hendrix; the staff of the Martha Jefferson Cancer Center, and the angels of Hospice of the Piedmont.

A "Going Home" celebration will be held followed by a "Cook-Out/Big Party" at Gary's request on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Gary's home, 7013 Free Union Road beginning at 3:00 p.m. Please plan to share your favorite "Gary Story" as per Gary's wishes. Wear your "Davis Strong" shirts if you have one, dress is casual and comfortable-Gary Davis style. Please feel free to bring a covered dish to share and a comfortable chair.You may call on the family at their homes in Boonesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Davis Strong, FBO Gary Davis, 2942 Boonesville Road, Free Union, Virginia 22940, or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911.