Floyd Earl “Dave” Davis died of heart failure on March 18, 2020, at the age of 82. Dave was born Oct. 21, 1937, at home in Highland County, Ohio, to Lewis Harold and Blanche (Hixon) Davis. He graduated from Martinsville High School, enlisted in the Navy and served as an engineman on the USS Finch. In 1958, he married Arlyne Fishel in Neilton, Washington. They moved to Ohio and he worked at the Irwin Auger Bit in Wilmington. They returned in 1967 with their three boys. Dave worked for Harold Gravatt at Amanda Park Service. In 1970, Arlyne divorced him. In 1971, he married Jigger Taylor Northup. She had two daughters and a son. Together they built a house big enough for their blended family and added their daughter to the clan.
Dave took over the station when Harold retired and ran it for six years. Then he built his shop in Neilton and ran Dave’s Service for 20 years. He then went to work in Maintenance at the Lake Quinault School, taught a small engine class, bought the Meadowland Water System from Asa Fishel in 1986, became a Water Distribution Manager for Water Dist. 8. He was still doing that when he died.
His volunteer work included many years with the Quinault Lions Club, Grays Harbor Planning Commission, 35 years with the Lake Quinault Fire Department. (8 years as chief). He took the first EMT class under Dr. Macs and was an EMT for ten years. He worked with Clarence Esses to bring three TV stations to receivers on Neilton Point. He was a longtime member of the Community of Christ Mission in Neilton, re-building part of the church at one point.
Dave worked with his hands his whole life. He built our house, made bowls, rolling pins, cutting boards, burl clocks, end tables, a Cat shed, ladder shack, and he would fix any bicycle for the kids in the area for free. We drew the plans for our house on notebook paper, brother-in-law Jim Wrey made working blueprints for us and helped frame it up, and in 18 months, we had a home. When a dubious wife said, “Can you build a house?” He said, “Watch me!”. He was honest always kept his word.
Dave is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jigger Davis; sons, Dale Davis (Kari) of Auburn, Donald Davis (Rhonda) of Auburn, Daniel Davis (Barbie) of Leitchfield, Kentucky, William Northup of Colorado; and daughters, Shari Bigalk (Ray) of Kettle Falls, Mary Christiansen (David) of Quinault, Dara DiBiase (Gregory) of Piedmont, Ohio. The extended family includes 11 grandchildren, Andrea Fields, Taylor Ringer, Kyle Davis, Kim Davis, Douglas Davis, Jennifer Dubeau, Danaye Henken, Annie Simpson, Christopher Christiansen, Spencer and Maddie DiBiase and 9½ great-grandchildren.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche Davis; brother, Howard Davis; sister, Zelma Ball and a granddaughter, Emma DiBiase.
A memorial will be held when we can gather safely and share hugs.
Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary. Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
