W.I. Davis, Jr. , 92, of Center, Texas passed away on October 17, 2014 at his home in Center, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Center, Texas on Monday, October 20, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Joel McMahon officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Center, Texas. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 19, 2014, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

W.I. Davis, Jr., a lifelong resident, was born in Center, Texas to the late W.I. Davis, Sr. and Eula Redditt Davis on September 29, 1922. He graduated from Center High School in 1939 and attended both Schreiner University and the University of Texas. During World War II, he was a pilot for the U.S. Army Air Corps, obtaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. On April 5, 1947, he married Inez Neilson Davis. They enjoyed 67 wonderful years together and raised 2 children, Neilson Davis and Cynthia Davis Griffin of Center, Texas.

For over 30 years, he was the Mobil Oil Company consignee along with managing a cattle operation and several large tree farms. W.I. served as a member of Farmers State Bank's Board of Directors for 57 years. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Farmers State Bank from 2004 to 2008. Additionally, W.I. received the 50 Year Banker Award from the Texas Bankers Association in 2007.

His life was filled with service to his community, church, and family legacy. W.I. used his service and leadership abilities when he was appointed as a director of the Shelby County Farm Bureau, the Texas Forestry Association, the Forest Landowners Association, the Shelby County Soil and Conservation District, and head of the District Selective Service Board. He served as a board member of the Federal Land Bank Association of Tyler. He was also a lifetime member of the Texas Forestry Association, as well as a member of the Heritage Foundation, the Shelby County Appraisal District Committee, and the American Farm Bureau Federation Forestry Advisory Committee, where he also served as Chairman. W.I. also received the Texas Department of Transportation Road Hand Award for his contributions, the Tree Farmer of the Year Award from the Tree Farmers Association, the Target 2000 Texas A&M University System Distinguished Service Award, and the 1995 Fort Worth Star Telegram Farm and Ranch Award for Texas Best in Timber Farming. In addition, he served Shelby County as a president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce in the 1950's.

W.I. had a passion for helping high school students particularly those from Shelbyville I.S.D. He and Inez established scholarships in memory of their parents, W.I. and Eula Davis and H.H. and Mavet Neilson. These scholarships are awarded annually to every graduating senior who desires to continue their education.

He was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Center, Texas, where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Chairman of the Fellowship Hall Building Committee. W.I. also gave much of his free time to the Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch where he served as a Wrangler and as a commissioner of the Methodist Church Children's Home.

W.I. was an avid aviator since joining the Air Corps in 1942, serving as a founding member of the Center Airport Committee. He was also a drag racing enthusiast.

W.I.'s life of service to his community, church, and family was evident in his work ethic and shown in his many volunteer roles. He was a man of integrity and incredible humor to those who knew him and to those whom his work in the community affected. He will be greatly missed by many, but he has left a great footprint in the land and hearts of East Texans.

W.I. is survived by his loving wife, Inez Neilson Davis; son and daughter-in-law, Neilson and Diana Ashby Davis; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Davis Griffin and Guy Griffin; grandson, Patrick Griffin and wife, Kasey Griffin; granddaughter, Kelly Griffin Wahl and husband, Wesley Wahn; great-grandsons, Justin and Jason Bobbitt; Shannon Grammer, and Larry and Brandi Shoults and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by sister, Christine Kenny Hankins; sister, Catherine Davis Pinkston; niece, Jeannine Foster Walker; and nephew, Joe Davis Foster.

A heartfelt thanks to Marie Small, the caregivers of Always There Home Care and Accolade Hospice for their loving care of our father.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Methodist Children's Home, P.O. Box 5010, Waco, Texas 76708 or First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935.