Raymond Arthur Davis, 73

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Raymond Arthur Davis, 73, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away peacefully and was received by his Heavenly Father on June 20, 2018. Ray was born on February 24, 1945; he was the son of Jack and Mary (Crosby) Davis.

Ray’s life began in the Silver Valley and he attended school in Kellogg. After school, he entered the Army and was stationed in Alaska. Ray was very proud of his time in the service, as was his family. He married Earnestine Stanphill and was blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Shannon and Jodi. After their separation, Ray was blessed once more with another beautiful daughter, Tonya.

After his time in the military, Ray worked alongside his brothers at the smelter plant for the Bunker Hill Mining Company. However, Ray found his lifelong career with the postal service as a dispatcher at the main plant in Federal Way, Washington. He worked for the postal service from 1973 until he retired.

Ray was a member of the Tacoma Elks #174 and a very proud and devout Catholic. It has been said that there were 4 things that Ray treasured most in life: his family, his faith, nature and music.

Ray had quite the ear for music and even taught himself to play guitar, a talent which he taught and passed down to his children and grandsons. One of the family’s fondest memories is of him playing guitar with his grandson, Joshua, on the front porch. Music was special to the family and connected them on a deeper level. It’s some of those memories that the family will always hold close to their hearts.

Ray also loved trains and was a collector of model trains and many books on the subject. He enjoyed having his brother Terry read books on trains, the old west, and the history of the Silver Valley to him when he became unable to do so for himself.

One thing that brought Ray happiness everyday was his connection with nature. He would go for nature rides up the river with his brother Terry to enjoy the beautiful scenery and search for wildlife. He was most fond of the birds and he loved to seek out two of his favorites: the Mountain Blue Bird and the Summer Tanager. Enjoying nature is how Ray had always envisioned spending his retirement and he was blessed with the ability to do so on an almost daily basis. On one particular nature outing, he and his brother Terry were in complete awe of a majestic “Great Gray Owl,” a story that even today brings the family many happy smiles! Ray and his brother Terry were fortunate to make a lot of fond memories together, but the sighting of the “Great Gray Owl” is one of the most memorable moments they shared. The two brothers were very close and were often referred to as the “Grumpy old men… just without the grumpy part.” Terry cared for Ray daily up until his passing and was a blessing for Ray and for his daughters, who knew their dad was well cared for and loved so deeply by his brother.

Ray will be deeply missed by his three daughters Shannon (Dave) Rushing of Great Falls, Montana, Jodi (Chris) Avery of Cheney, Washington, and Tonya (Eric) Brown of Wardner, Idaho; three brothers Terry Davis of Kellogg, Idaho, Joe (Jan) Davis of Black Diamond, Washington, and Danny (Sandy) Davis of Osburn, Idaho; three sisters Marie (Earl) Rush of Osburn, Idaho, Celie (Al) Hunter of Kellogg, Idaho and Rita (Matt) Kurkowski of Kellogg, Idaho; his loving grandsons and granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by; his parents, Jack and Mary; his brothers Jim, Bob, Johnny, Glen, Larry, and Gerald; and his sisters Jackie, Joanie and Francie.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg, Idaho. A reception/luncheon will be held at Pottsville Park following services; this will be potluck and everyone is welcome.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Disabled American Veterans: 444 W. Fort Street Rm. 143, Boise, ID 83702 or online at www.dav.org.

One may sign Ray’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with service arrangements.