In Memory of Gary Davis

Photo by Joan Davis

This morning brought sad news to our family. Gary Davis, a Hudkins cousin, passed away last night while in Hospice care. He had been ill for several years, and a car accident on September 26th weakened him further.

I was asked to write a formal notice for our family’s private Facebook page, and I also spent much of the day on the phone with relatives as we all tried to process the loss.

Gary and his wife, Joan, always made an effort to connect with me whenever I was visiting Ohio. They also spent time visiting with my parents over the years. On September 22, 2019, Gary and Joan came up to the assisted living facility where my sister was staying and took Megan and me out to lunch. I had been keeping vigil for Jeni as she lay dying, and I remember feeling so grateful for their company that day. As we headed back to the facility, we got the call that Jeni had passed away. I will always think of Gary and Joan as my own personal angels in that moment.

I also remember June 19, 2023, when I wrote about Gary and Joan taking Joe and me on one of their famous backroad drives (famous, at least, in our family). They treated us to lunch, and we had a splendid day together.

This is the notice we shared on our family page:

---

With Love, We Remember Gary Davis
Gary Davis (1946–2025)

Gary Davis, 79 years young, died peacefully on September 29, 2025, with his beloved wife, Joan, at his bedside.

Though Gary faced health struggles over the years, a car accident on Friday, September 26th, put great strain on his body, leading to kidney failure. He was transferred to Hospice care, where he was able to spend precious time surrounded by family.

Joan described Gary’s final moments as magical. Serenaded by Colour My World by Chicago and A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum, Gary crossed over at 11:20 pm. Colour My World was Gary and Joan’s song, and its lyrics capture the deep love they shared:

As time goes on
I realize
Just what you mean
To me

And now
Now that you're near
Promise your love
That I've waited to share

And dreams
Of our moments together
Colour my world
With hope of loving you.

In honor of Gary’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, we invite you to share your favorite memories of Gary in the comments.

---

Losing Gary feels heavy, but I’m holding onto the memories of his kindness, his laughter, and the way he and Joan always made time for family. I’m grateful for the moments we shared, and I know he will be remembered with love.