Dave was preceded in death by his father Gerald “Preston” Davis, Sr. and stepmother Bennetta Davis; his mother Joyce Dennis Pitts and stepfather Derald Pitts; and his stepbrother Eddie Cantu.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Shawn Davis; two sons, Gerald Preston Davis III “Trey” and his wife Shela of Denver, North Carolina, and Matthew Davis and his wife Abigail of Midland. He was a proud grandfather to six grandsons—Tristen and wife Erika, Riley and wife Briana, Noah and wife Kenzie, Ian, Wyatt, and Joel—and great-grandfather to two precious great-granddaughters, Harper and River. He is also survived by his brother-inlaw Ronnie Replogle and wife Cindy, and sister-in-law Celia Snoddy and husband Richard.

Dave grew up in Snyder and Austin, Texas. As a teenager, he ran the Phillips 66 station owned by his father. He worked for Joe White’s Performance Automotive, where his love for engines and machinery took root. This passion would carry him through a lifelong career in racing and machine work.

Dave held two world records with the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) and began his professional racing career in 1978 when he was hired by close friend Franz Weis to work for the legendary Jim Hall Chaparral Racing team in Midland. Over the years, Dave achieved numerous victories as an Indy Car Team Manager, engine builder, and owner of Race Engine Service and Davis Racing. His career in motorsports took him around the world, and his contributions to the racing industry left a lasting mark.

Beyond racing, Dave was deeply committed to his community. He loved serving as the Fire Chief of the Pontotoc Volunteer Fire Department for 17 years. A true outdoorsman, he also found joy in farming, ranching, hunting, and growing hay. He worked for the Fredonia Peanut Plant fertilizing fields for several seasons. His work ethic and dedication were unmatched, and he was known for always lending a hand where it was needed.

Dave will be remembered for his fierce love of family, his unmatched talent in his craft, his stories from the racetrack, and his unwavering commitment to the people and places he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of grit, heart, and horsepower.

Pall Bearers were Randy Holloway, Joe Willie McAllister Matthew Bowers, Charlie Hale, Tristen Davis, Noah Davis, and Wyatt Davis.

Honorary Pall Bearers were T. J. Webster, Lonnie Johns, Franz Weis, Ronnie Replogle, Todd Wilson, Benny Herrera, Randy Moore, and Jody Webster.

The family would like to say thanks to everyone for their help and support.

Visitation with the family was on Saturday, September 6, 1:00 p.m., with funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Mason Funeral Home. Burial was held in the Pontotoc Cemetery. Mason Funeral Home, 204 Postoak Street, Mason Texas 76856 Pontotoc Cemetery, 1099 Pontotoc Cemetery Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pontotoc Volunteer Fire Department.