Dean Frederick Davis

Dean Frederick Davis, retired research administrator, died March 23, 2007, after a brief illness. He would have celebrated his 85th birthday on May 4th, 2007.Mr. Davis was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, and moved to Gainesville, Florida in 1972 from Silver Spring, Maryland. He served his country in the 28th Infantry Division during World War II, seeing action in France, Belgium, and Germany. He served as a medic and earned two battle stars. Mr. Davis graduated from the University of Tennessee with degrees in zoology, chemistry, and entomology. He attended the Federal Executive Institute, University of Virginia. He was a charter member of the US Civil Service Senior Executive Service. He served in the US Department of Agriculture for 33 years, retiring in 1984. During his career, Mr. Davis served in several management positions including Director of the Stored Products Research Laboratory in Savannah, Georgia, Assistant Chief of USDA?s Stored Product Insects Research Branch in Hyattsville, Maryland, Assistant Director and Director of the Market Quality Research Division, Hyattsville, Maryland, Director of the Florida-Antilles Area of USDA?s Agriculture Research Service, Gainesville, Florida, and Director of the South Atlantic Area of ARS, Athens, Georgia. Mr. Davis was the world?s best father and grandfather. He always made time to play with his children and grandchildren. He was ever present during times of illness and stress. He will be in their hearts forever. There was never a man more devoted to his family. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his father, George Fayne Davis, his mother, Cora Tinker Davis, and his brother William Bruce Davis, an Army Officer who died during World War II in the Philippines. Mr. Davis was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, the Kiwanis Club of the University City, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was an avid Florida Gators fan. Mr. Davis is survived by his wife Willie Faye Davis of Gainesville, now of Brandon, Mississippi, twin daughters Sharen Lee Rumberger of Vero Beach, Florida and Karen Lynne Winfield of Brandon, Mississippi. He leaves nine grandchildren, Jennifer Rumberger, Joe Rumberger, Nancy Rumberger, Lindsay Rumberger, and Sarah Rumberger, and Kimberly Rumberger. Also, Jonathan, Jordan, and Michael Winfield of Brandon, Mississippi. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 10 AM Monday, March 26, 2007 in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Mr. Baron Eliason will officiate. Everyone will meet at the cemetery for the service. The family will receive friends at Morris-Baker from 6 to 7 PM Sunday.