Dave Jeffery Davis, known to friends and family as a man of unwavering integrity and boundless creativity, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 78. Born on December 2, 1947, in Sherman, Texas, his early years were marked by a keen interest in how things worked, a trait that would define both his career and his hobbies.
After a distinguished service as an engineer in the Navy, he continued his professional journey as an HVAC mechanic at the OU Health Science Center, where he dedicated 26 years of his life. His analytical mind and problem-solving skills were not only invaluable to his work but also to the many he mentored during his long tenure.
His creative and handy nature found a joyful outlet in his private life through the meticulous restoration of electric fans from the early 20th century. His passion for bringing the intricate mechanics of these fans back to life was a testament to his patience and attention to detail. In addition, his love for restoring grandfather and cuckoo clocks allowed him to connect with history and craftsmanship in a way that was deeply personal and fulfilling.
He is survived by his loving and devoted children, Roger F. Davis and Janice Davis-McWaters. His legacy is also carried on by his brothers, Murle Davis, Elliott Davis, and Robert Baker Jr., as well as his sisters, Shirley Towers and Bonnie Gordon. They, along with his extended family and friends, will miss his wise counsel, his humor, and the quiet strength he exuded.
Jeffery’s life was a living example of the words that best describe him: analytical, creative, and handy. His methodical approach to challenges, combined with his ability to create and fix with his hands, made him a cherished figure both at work and at home.
As we bid farewell to Dave Jeffery Davis, we celebrate a long-lived life, marked by dedication to his craft, duty to his family, and a legacy of the beautiful and functional pieces he restored, which will continue to tick and whirr for generations to come. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, as a man who could be relied upon to lend a hand or a listening ear. He will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life’s work will endure, a fitting tribute to a man who valued precision, beauty, and utility in everything he did.
Obituary provided by ACS OKC.