Gary M. Davis

Gary Millard Davis, 78, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on November 15, 2025. Born on May 23, 1947, in Jackson County, Gary lived a life defined by devotion to family, a tireless work ethic, and a deep love of adventure. In 1975, Gary married the love of his life, Debbie Gail Davis, with whom he shared more than fifty years of laughter, partnership, and unwavering loyalty. Together, they built a full and lively household, raising their children and caring for the extended family who shared their home through the years. Their growing family remains their enduring legacy of love—one that continues to flourish through the generations. From 1969 to 2021, Gary spent 52 dedicated years with Cummins Engine Company, retiring with pride in the legacy he built there. His strong work ethic was shaped by his upbringing on the family farm. He carried a lifelong love for agriculture—especially the generations of farm tractors whose history he admired and loved sharing with his family. Farming remained in his heart throughout his career, and he often joined his brother-in-law Bill in the fields, cultivating the land he never stopped loving. Outside of his long career, he embraced many interests that brought him joy—chief among them the motorcycle adventures he shared with Debbie. Together, they served as Chapter Directors of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in Columbus, creating lifelong friendships and memories along the way. One of their greatest fundraising rides was down Route 66, traveling from Chicago all the way to San Diego’s Santa Monica Pier—an iconic journey they often talked about repeating someday, this time in their Corvette. Beyond their chapter rides, Gary also treasured the motorcycle trips he took with Debbie, their son Travis, and Kevin, especially their routes through Tennessee, St. Louis, and the Dragon’s Tail. Gary’s passion for aviation followed him throughout his life—from building airplane models at home to countless airport trips to watch planes take off and land. Debbie and the kids share cherished memories of his excitement as the planes roared overhead. He especially loved any chance to fly, embracing every moment in the air. The sky always held a special magic for him. Over the years, that love of flight led to many family trips to Las Vegas—one of Gary and Debbie’s favorite destinations—and most recently to a memorable 2019 trip lovingly hosted by their son Johnny and Bronson. Myrtle Beach vacations were among Gary’s most cherished family traditions, going all the way back to when the kids were young—first in beachfront hotels and later in RV trips to the shoreline campgrounds, with Ocean Lakes becoming their favorite home base. Myrtle Beach held a special place in his heart because it meant time spent with his children and grandchildren—moments he treasured most deeply. Beyond the shores, the open waters called. Gary and Debbie were introduced to the cruise-ship lifestyle by the Hodlers and the Kelleys, and the rest was history. What began as a new adventure soon grew into a tradition that expanded year after year, with as many as sixteen family members joining in at times. Cruising with Royal Caribbean became a favorite way to be together, filled with unforgettable meals, laughter, shore excursions, and the beautiful Caribbean beaches they loved exploring side by side. Gary was also a true racing enthusiast. He loved watching Russ, Randy, and Dustin compete and was deeply proud to see them bring home countless trophies and carry on a strong Petro family legacy. In the past decade, he especially cherished the years when he and Debbie were able to join their son Chad and Tony for the Indianapolis 500, adding unforgettable moments to a tradition that now means even more to Chad. In these more recent years, Gary’s days became quieter, centered around the familiar comfort of family. His son Ricky, who lives just down the road, visited often—Gary would greet him with a warm “Hey, Buddy,” and the two would settle in for long talks together. His son Travis moved back home to provide support, becoming a welcome and steady presence in his daily life. His son Chad enjoyed Friday visits and fondly remembers Dad’s big blue eyes brightening when he walked into the room as Gary said, “Well, hey there!” His son Christopher came by for lunches at a local favorite, The Hangar, where they shared meals while watching the airplanes come and go on the runway. Gary also treasured monthly lunch outings with his fellow retirees and longtime friends Jerry, Don, and Carmen—friendships that brought him comfort, laughter, and a sense of continuity. Family gatherings stayed close to home, with his daughter Gena—his beloved “Baby Girl”—hosting birthdays, holidays, and celebrations as her own family continued to grow. This year, Gary’s precious “Doodlebug,” Halee, and her husband Larry, welcomed their third child and also hosted Gary and Debbie’s 50th wedding anniversary, a milestone filled with love and pride. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Gail Davis; his children, Gena (Randy) Petro, Ricky Wilson (Jason Berry), Johnny Davis (Bronson Sherrill), Chad Davis (Tony Work), Travis Davis, and Chris (Jeannie) Davis; and his grandchildren, Dustin (Robbin) Petro, Halee (Larry) Thompson, Christopher Davis, Brandon Miller, Tylie Maupin, and Keltie Sherrill. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Chloe Wilson, Norrin Haight, Raelee Petro, and the Thompson children—Hank, Henzlee, and Hadlee. Gary is further survived by his siblings, Nalana Fields and Jack Davis; his mother-in-law, Pat Streeval; his sister-in-law, Rita (Bill) Wehmeier; and his nephew and niece, Blake and Macy Wehmeier, along with many extended family members who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Brittany Wilson; his brothers Larry Davis and Norman Davis; his brother-in-law Gene Fields; his father-in-law Gene Day; and his parents, Millard “Barney” Davis and Violet (Bannister) Davis. Services were held privately through Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Gary will be remembered for his loyalty, his love of the open road, the open sky, and the open seas, and for the way he poured his heart into every person and passion in his life. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the adventures remembered, and the family who will carry his spirit with them always.