July 13, 1943 – July 24, 2024
Just north of the 45th Parallel, a man stands on a tee box with his friends close by. Ignoring the wear and tear of a life well-lived, his steel blue eyes hunt the pin, measuring yardage and calculating wind. Mind clear, head still, club extending then dropping inside out, the contact is pure. The shot is perfect.
Such was the life of Gary Ray Davis.
Gary was raised in Ferndale, Michigan, the son of Basil and Ginny Davis. He attended Hazel Park Schools, graduating high school in 1961. He played basketball for Eastern Michigan University, where he also joined the Arm of Honor, solidifying some of the most impactful and enduring friendships of his life. He graduated from EMU with a bachelor’s degree in education, followed by a masters in educational administration and an advanced degree in special education. He started his career teaching emotionally impaired children at Ypsilanti State Hospital while coaching high school boys basketball at St. John’s High School. He served as a principal, special education director, and assistant superintendent for East Lansing Public Schools for many years, retiring in 1998 to move to Leelanau County, Michigan.
Gary was a fierce competitor. While most of his friends knew him simply as “GD,” on Thursday afternoons at the Leland Country Club he happily assumed the title of The General, leading a perpetual round of competitive golf with a brotherhood of men whom he held close to his heart. From beginning to end, athletics played a profound role in Gary’s life, as a spectator, player, coach, and often as a prolific armchair analyst.
No matter the circumstances or the characters involved, Gary loved a good conversation and the opportunity for a personal connection. He was the epitome of a reasonable man, strong in his convictions and clear in his positions, while simultaneously willing to explore differing perspectives on most topics (if youknow,youknow). Inthisdimension, he enjoyed many years of rich and robust discussions with his book clubs. And, although he found small-talk repugnant, Gary was a studied conversationalist with a knack for finding just the right words for every occasion and deploying them with perfect timing. In this way, he was crowned, in the words of his close friends, “The King of Making a Long Story Short,” which to some meant he actually believed in brevity, and to others was simply what he said as he was wrapping up a not-so-brief story.
As his earthly life drew to a close, Gary was touched by the outpouring of messages, calls and visitors from all walks of his life. Outreach from his former players struck a particular chord with him, as he reflected — often with tears in his eyes — on the profound connection between player and coach. Coaching was the essence of who Gary was as a person and how he approached life.
The light of Gary’s life was his family and friends. He is survived by his sister, Debbie Hollinger (Howard); his daughters Shelby (Sam) and Jaffe (Cory); his five grandchildren, Ian, Finlay, Reece, Rocky and Frances; his beloved cats Ophelia and Myrtle; and a host of granddogs, to whom he shall eternally be known as the man with the treats.
As we reflect on this magnificent life, we grieve the loss of a devoted father, calm and steady, patiently listening, always modeling empathy, self-empowerment and perseverance. We recognize with gratitude a beloved friend and companion, always there when he was needed, strong and kind. And, most of all, we celebrate the man who quietly and intentionally – from an early age and throughout his life – focused his energy outward, using his talents and resources to help others become the best version of themselves, all the while hoping – but with no expectation – that those fortunate others would do the same for those around them. The world is a better place because of Gary R. Davis.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Leland Lodge on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm, with remarks by his family and friends starting at 6pm. Please feel free to share photos and videos for inclusion in our slideshow via email to [email protected].
Contributions in Gary’s honor may be made to: The Leelanau Children’s Center: https://www.leelanauchildrenscenter. org/ways-to-give and/or The Wounded Warrior Project: https://support. woundedwarriorproject.org and/or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Please share condolences with Gary’s family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau County.
