Calvin Jerry Davis, 81, of Pampa, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, September 4, 2026.
He was born September 22, 1944, in Wheeler, Texas, to J.C. and Earline Davis.
Calvin attended Pampa schools before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served from 1963 to 1966. After returning home, he worked for Enron for 11 years. He later contracted with area farmers, running a tractor and plowing fields, before joining Vernon State Hospital as an aid, where he retired after 15 years of service.
On August 2, 1968, Calvin married Rita Rivera after a two-month courtship. Against all odds, they shared a strong and enduring love that stood the test of time, blessing them with 58 wonderful years together. Calvin was always protective of Rita and made sure she was well cared for.
Calvin was a quiet man with a gentle presence and a simple way of enjoying life. He liked an occasional hunting trip with his brothers or friends, and while he did not consider himself a knife collector, he had several knives that he carefully sharpened and tended to simply because he enjoyed them. He also loved watching television, especially anything featuring his favorite actor, John Wayne.
He had a special fondness for sweets of all kinds and rarely turned them down. Calvin loved his nieces and nephews dearly and enjoyed teasing them, just as they enjoyed teasing him back—especially when he wore his large aviator sunglasses while driving. Though often quiet and sometimes a little bossy, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, greeting them with his big smile and humor. He will be deeply missed.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Earline Davis; his sister, Mary Ruth Wallace; and two very special nieces, Dianna Lynn Rivera and Mary Helen Rivera.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 58 years, Rita Davis of the home; five brothers, Bobby Glen Davis of Pampa, Larry Gene Davis of Georgia, and Gordon Ray Davis, Scotty Mac Davis, and Tony Earl Davis, all of Pampa; one sister, Nancy Sherry of Abilene; 32 nieces and nephews; and his two beloved dogs, Daisy and Shorty, who took up much of his time. Calvin’s larger-than-life smile and the little antics that made him so special will remain treasured memories for all who loved him.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Winegeart Funeral Home in the Serenity Chapel, with Chaplain Charla Cobb officiating. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
If friends and family wish to make a memorial donation, the family suggests St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, in memory of Calvin.
To share condolences and express words of comfort with the family in Calvin’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.
