Bob Davis, 83, a resident of Irving since 1967, died peacefully at his home on Monday, December 16, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born August 19, 1941 in Ft. Worth, Texas to the late William Cecil Davis, Sr. and Muriel McCarty Davis. Bob graduated from Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1959. He then pursued studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1963 and a Law degree in 1966. While at Vanderbilt, Bob met Abbie Leavitt, and they married March 19, 1964 in Gainesville, Florida. He was a member of St. Francis Anglican Church and the Tennessee Delta Chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

After law school, Bob moved his family to Texas and began practicing in Dallas. In 1967, the family settled in Irving, where Bob resided until his passing. The return to Texas sowed two enduring relationships integral to Bob's life: the love and support of the St. Francis parish family and his lifelong friendship with his neighbors Bob and Carol Ware. Though he had friends from every walk of life, Irving was always home.

Despite a growing family and stretched finances, Bob agreed to run for the Texas House of Representatives, seeking the opportunity to serve Irving at the State Capitol in Austin. In November 1972, Bob won his election and was sworn into office in January 1973. Bob served the citizens of Irving in the House for 10 years before returning to private life. Bob went back to Austin in 1987 where he served as Director of Budget and Planning during the second administration of Governor William Clements. Governor Clements would later name Bob to the State Purchasing and General Services Commission, where he served from 1989-1995.

Bob loved the Legislature, and many of the friendships that he developed in Austin remained until his passing. In the House, Bob was fortunate to have gained the trust of his constituents and colleagues. Bob served as Chairman of the House Committee on Insurance for two years and Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means for four years. His legislative assignments also included membership on the House Committee on Calendars, the House Redistricting Committee, and the Legislative Budget Board. Bob also served as a Delegate to the Texas Constitutional Convention in 1974.

In Austin, Bob was a hardworking, honest legislative craftsman. Though he had the opportunity to rub elbows with the most powerful in state government, he also made the effort to befriend support staff and legislative newcomers. Bob brought strength, charm, wit, tenacity, and strategic finesse to the Capitol every day. If the task called for a wry smile and a wink of appreciation, that was Bob's tact. When the situation required more direct measures, Bob was not afraid to employ the bludgeon of a parliamentary sledgehammer to advance the cause of his voters. Bob believed in the importance of public service; he played hard, and he played to win.

Bob loved watching sports, playing bridge and dominoes, and traveling to visit his college friends for their Phi Psi reunions. Perhaps the hobby at which he was most accomplished was pawnshopping for classic golf clubs throughout the metroplex area. Bob introduced his five boys to hunting, golf, and Dallas Cowboys football. He and Abbie always hosted traditional family gatherings, and they never forgot birthday cards for the grandkids. Bob's lasting legacy is the values he instilled in those who knew him well. Be honest; life and public discourse must be encumbered by the truth. Be courageous; valiant failure often yields greater rewards than triumphant circumstance. Be caring; the world is full of people, be a person that makes a difference in others' lives.

Predeceased by his wife Abbie, Bob is survived by his five sons, Rev. Robert Davis, Jr. and wife Amy of Mequon, Wisconsin; Douglas Davis and wife Karina of Austin; Wesley Davis and wife Sunshine of Mansfield; Paul Davis and wife Lisa of Gun Barrel City; and Matthew Davis and wife Rena of Seguin; nine grandchildren, Mae, Matthew, Elena, Carter, Loren, Harrison, Hadley, Preston, and Wyatt; and a great granddaughter, Kylie. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Francis Anglican Church or to Nashotah House Theological Seminary (2777 Mission Rd, Nashotah, WI 53058).

A Requiem Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Saint Francis Anglican Church, 3838 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.