Merrell Davis

Merrell Davis, age 69, lost his hard-fought battle with cancer on Saturday, October 22, 2011 surrounded by those he loved. Services will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 25 at Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. in Abilene, TX. Officiating the service will be Rick Cunningham of Big Spring and life-long friend, Major General Tom Lynn (USAF, retired) of Macon Georgia. A private burial will follow at the McDonald Ranch Cemetery in Sterling City. Merrell was born on January 27, 1942 to Elizabeth (Shankle) and Adolphus (Bud) Davis in Fulton, Kentucky. He grew up in this close-knit community where he forged lasting friendships that he cherished until the end of his life. He was a graduate of Fulton High School in 1960 and received a degree from Murray State University in 1965. Merrell was stationed in Korea from 1965-1969 in the service of the United States Army. Merrell worked in the retail fashion industry for many years and later at the Abilene Reporter News until his retirement in 2006. Merrell and Celia moved to Lampasas in 2008 to join their daughter, Jena and her family. Merrell and Celia were married on December 7, 1979 in Dallas. Merrell proudly joined the McDonald family of Sterling City and often spoke of the profound influence his mother-in-law and father-in-law had on his life. All of his life he enjoyed the McDonald family ranch and its proud heritage. Hunting and ranch cooking became a passion for Merrell and at the ranch instilled the love of both in his boys and many of their friends. To know Merrell was to know his great love for his sons and their accomplishments. He loved his step-daughter as his own and worshipped his grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. As an avid supporter of all the Armed Services he worked tirelessly for many years cooking for the World's Largest Barbeque honoring Dyess Air Force Base and the valuable service Dyess personnel so unselfishly provide. Preceding him in death were his parents, Elizabeth and Bud Davis of Fulton, KY and his wife's parents, Chesley and Cecile McDonald of Sterling City, Texas. Surviving Merrell is his wife of 32 years, Celia McDonald Davis and their children Jena Allen Price and husband Bill of Lampasas, William Merrell Davis and wife Kellie Wiggins Davis of College Station, Wesley Benjamin Davis of Houston, and grandchildren Bryson and Celie Price of Lampasas. Also surviving Merrell is his sister Dana Davis Hughes and husband John of Rogers, AR and their children Johnny and wife Angie (Avery and JC), Liz and husband Brad Abercrombie of Rogers, AR and stepsister, Judy Jones and husband Johnny of Fulton, KY. Pallbearers include Phil Bandy of Ponca City, OK, Thad Carthel of Tulsa, OK, Paul Fulham of Abilene, John Hughes and Johnny Hughes of Rogers, AR, Johnny Jones of Fulton, KY, Jerry McAlister of Abilene, Don McDonald of Granbury, TX, and Ladd Stokes of Fulton, KY. The family requests any memorials be made to Alzheimer's Association 301 S. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605 or Arms of Hope (formerly Medina Children's Home) 21300 Hwy. 16 North, Medina, TX 78055.