R.H. Lee Davis, who celebrated his 97th birthday on November 9, 2013, died May 21, 2014 at his home in Midland, Texas. He was born on November 9, 1916 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma to Roy H. Davis and Bonnie Ruth Alston Davis. R.H. and Dodie Roe Berta Lambert married on May 17, 1942 in Monahans, Texas. They were married 71 years when she died in December 2013. R.H. graduated from Oxford, Kansas High School in 1934 and then from Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1938 with a major in accounting. R.H. served in the Army Air Force Air Transport Command from June 30, 1942 until April 1, 1946. RH graduated from Officer Candidate School and Army Exchange School while serving his country during WWII. He was honorably discharged as Captain. He was stationed at Shepherd Field in Wichita Falls, Camp Luna in Las Vegas, New Mexico and Mather Field in Sacramento, California. R.H. began his employment career with Stanolind Oil on June 2, 1941. He and his wife Roe Berta lived in Hobbs, NM., Grandfalls, Brownfield, Wink, Pampa, and North Cowden, Texas. He was transferred to Lubbock in 1953 and resided there until 1966 when he was transferred to the Midland office and the oil company became Pan American Oil and Gas. He was transferred in 1970 to the office in Fort Worth. R.H. and Roe Berta moved back to Midland in 1971 with the company that became Amoco. His title was Administrative Supervisor. R.H. moved many times during those years and he had lots of vacation. He did not have many hobbies and spent time at Manning's Nursery talking about yard and landscaping. Mr. Manning thought that R.H. was retired and wanted to know if he was interested in leasing the nursery. R.H. and Roe Berta discussed this and decided that this would be something that they would like to try. The nursery was leased in 1971 with Roe Berta doing the day to day operations and R.H. on weekends and vacation days. R.H. retired from Amoco in March of 1977. The nursery later moved and became Davis Garden Center on Midkiff and Bluebird. The nursery closed in 1992. This gave R.H. and Roe Berta the opportunity for travel. His favorite trip was to New Zealand. They traveled many places in the US and enjoyed the visits with family and friends. He liked to keep up with current events and his hobby became watching over his stock investments. He took great joy in seeing his great grandchildren. R.H. had no intention of staying in West Texas but he loved the people and it was home for over 70 years. R.H. loved his family and was especially proud of his grandsons. He had great grief with the passing of his son, Roy. R.H. served as Ruling Elder in Westminster Presbyterian Church of Lubbock and First Presbyterian Church of Midland. R.H. is predeceased by his parents Roy and Bonnie Davis, son Roy J. Davis, and wife Roe Berta Davis. He is survived by his daughter Frances Carlton and her husband Don of Midland; grandsons, Derek Davis and wife Leigh of Denver, Colorado, Jeffrey Carlton and wife Jennifer of Fort Worth, and Todd Carlton and wife Elizabeth of Southlake; great grandchildren Hadley Carlton, Andrew Carlton, Reese Carlton, Alexander Carlton, Jack Carlton and Miller Davis. Special thanks to his loving caregivers, Karen Riley, JoAnn Devenport, Juanita Borens, Hellen Brown, Rebecca Johnson, Regina Ware and all the caregivers for the last few years. Special appreciation to Hospice of Midland for their care and comfort the last one and a half years. Rev. Robert Kirk, Chaplain of Hospice of Midland, has been a tremendous spiritual influence for the entire family. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 10:00am at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, Texas with Rev. Mary Beth Anton officiating. Memorial donation would be appreciated in R.H’s memory to Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, Texas 79701, or the Deacon's Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 West Texas Street, 79701. R.H. loved his family, his country, and his friends. People will remember him as a man of character, honor, and a “straight shooter.” Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
