Frank Ferrell Davis

Frank Ferrell “Chivo” Davis, a dedicated family man, respected oil man, and active community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 24th, 2024 in Midland, Texas. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father who left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Born on March 12, 1944, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ferrell led a remarkable life filled with significant achievement and cherished relationships.

Ferrell married his beloved wife Polly Chappell on March 18, 1967, and together they were blessed with twin daughters, Jennifer and Shelley. His devotion to family extended to his two son-in-law’s, Jack Harper and Dan Hord and his six adored grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who brought immense joy to his life.

Ferrell attended Midland High School, then the University of Texas before earning his Bachelor of Science degree at Stephen F. Austin University. Following his time in the military, Ferrell began his professional career in 1967 at Shell Oil Company. He then worked for various independent oil and gas companies before embarking on his own in 1977. Over the past thirty-five years he has enjoyed growing Davis Partners, a family partnership focused on oil and gas investments, into the successful business that it is today. Among his many passions were teaching the land business to young people and other interested men and women.

Ferrell’s commitment to community service was evident in his board roles at organizations such as Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Developmental Disabilities Center, Manor Park, Bynum School and Texas Commerce Bank-Midland. He was a proud member of First Methodist Church of Midland and actively participated in associations related to the petroleum industry and ranching.

Recognized for his contributions to Texas agriculture and land preservation, Ferrell received the prestigious “Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture” award in 2001. His passion for ranching in Bandera County, Texas, where he managed a successful cow/calf and meat goat operation, was a testament to his love of land and livestock.

Neighbors and friends will remember Ferrell for the love of his many dogs, hospitality and enjoyment of a good party. Sitting on his front porch, he invited anyone walking by inside for a glass of wine or dinner. Words commonly used to describe Chivo are: youthful, loyal, passionate, tough, family-man, guardian, strong-willed, and generous. Ferrell is preceded in death by his parents Mary Frank and Paul Davis, and sister-in[1]law Marian Chappell Miles. He is survived by his loving family: wife Polly Chappell Davis; daughter Jennifer Davis Hord and husband Willis Daniel Hord III, daughter Shelley Davis Harper and husband Jack Farmer Harper; his six grandchildren, Lauren Ferrell Harper, Davis Lee Hord and wife Margaret Ellen Hord, Ellen Claire Hord, Hunt Daniel Hord, Caroline Bryant Harper, and Olivia Chappell Harper; one great-grandchild Frances Fox Hord; brother, Paul L. Davis, Jr. and wife Betty Rae Davis; sister-in-law, Carolyn Chappell Light and husband, David Light; brother-in-law David Scott Miles; and a host of supportive and loving extended family and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers include; Charlie Semple, Don Jones, Ted Fergeson, Charlie Younger, Joe O’Neill, Don Evans, Bill Granberry, Tevis Herd, Jim Chandler, Randy Geiselman, Tom Johnson, Dennis Grubb, Skeet Doss, Van Pearcy, and Tom Craddick.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Midland Memorial Hospital and to Dr. Summer Merritt.

The service will be held at the First Methodist Church of Midland on Thursday, May 30 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Manor Park of Midland (2208 N Loop 250, Midland, TX 79707) or Lonehollow Ranch Young Life Camp (1010 Cooley Lane, Vanderpool, TX 78885).

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