Virgil Davis

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Virgil Ray Davis went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 30th 2021 at the age of 81 at his home in Monett, Missouri after a long illness.

Virgil was born at home on July 23rd 1939 in Dade County to the late Orla Davis and Lola Bird. He was one of 12 children. He graduated from Jasper County School System in 1956. After high school he joined the Marine Reserves.

Virgil met and married the love of his life, Shirley in 1958. Together, they raised 3 children, Greg, Julie, and Stacie. The couple was married 62 years and were very devoted to each other.

Throughout his life he worked various jobs. He began at Horn’s Market and L.G. Jones Service Station in Monett. He and his family then moved to Columbia, where he worked for the University of Missouri Dairy Department, eventually working his way up to Delivery Driver for Central Dairy Company in Jefferson City. After being trained by Kruger Plumbing Company, he partnered with Don Stamper to begin Davis and Stamper Plumbing. In 1978 he moved back to Monett with his family and started his own company, Davis & Son. After many years of hard work, he retired in 2013. After retirement, he and Shirley enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, hunting, and most of all, spending time with their family.

He enjoyed being an active member of the church and he taught Sunday School for many years. He was also a 4H leader, and was involved in Gideon’s International and The Lion’s Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orla and Lola, and siblings Emma Mae, Thelma, Helen, Leonard, Eunice, Calvin, Orla Jr., Bob, Judith Ann, and Dollie Jean.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Davis, his sister Rozella and her husband Lloyd Marsh of Springfield, children Greg and Brenda Davis of Monett, Julie and Scott Beckwith of Monett, and Stacie and Bob Campbell of Noel. As well as his grandchildren Brandon and Rachele’ Davis, Ryan and Katie Mayhue, Valerie and Louis Carrasquillo, Karissa and Tim Gamel, Brooke and Patrick Dargan, Bryan Beckwith and McKenzie Mooreland, Juan and Cristobal Renteria, and Taylor and Tanner Harnar. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Tristan and DJ Feitl, Twilah, Jayden, and Jaycie Carasquillo, Sawyer Davis, Haylen and Ella Mayhue, and Ryley, Reese, Brittin, and Maddox Gamel.

The visitation will be at 1pm on Thursday, February 4th 2021 followed by the funeral service at 2pm at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Brandon Davis, Ryan Mayhue, Tim Gamel, Tanner Harnar, Brittin Gamel, Patrick Dargan, and Bryan Beckwith. Honorary pallbearers include Scott Beckwith, Bob Campbell, and Jay Biloki. Memorial contributions can be made to Community Outreach (Food Pantry) or New Site Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett.