James Harvey Davis, 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Pine Arbor Health Care Center in Silsbee, Texas. He was born September 16, 1919, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, the son of the late Henry Leroy and Amanda Faye (Ardis) Davis.
Harvey, as he preferred to be called, graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1937, and then attended East Texas State Teachers College. He worked in the family cleaning and pressing business, his uncle’s bakery, and Rockwell International until 1941, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served as an Aviation Aerographer’s Mate on the aircraft carrier, USS Bunker Hill, and saw action during the Pacific Campaign. After the war, he received his Bachelors degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College and his Masters degree from East Texas State Teachers College. He worked as a biology teacher in Sulphur Springs, Marshall, and Dallas Independent School Districts for a total of 32 years.
Harvey had a passion for fishing his entire life. He also loved to travel and as an avid reader, was knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. He also wrote several poems, many of which were published in local newspapers, and a book of his poems is currently in work. He was a kind and caring man who loved the boys he chose to raise and being “Grandpa Harvey”. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the First Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sybil Lou Davis; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Margarett McAfee of Parrish, Florida; and son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Teri Thornton of Kountze, Texas; four grandchildren, Cory McAfee of Garland, T.J. Thornton of Kountze, Tiffany Williford of Kountze, and Ryan McAfee of Sarasota, Florida; four great-grandchildren, Addison Grace and Tex Thornton, Avery Williford, and Caitlyn McAfee. He is predeceased by his brother, Frat.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Soules Chapel Cemetery, with a celebration of life reception following at the Soules Chapel Methodist Church, 7713 FM 556, Soules Chapel, near Gilmer, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze, Texas, (409)246-3466.
