Monday, January 28th, 1935 - Saturday, November 13th, 2021
Gilman Jay Davis left this earth on 11/13/2021 after a long/short battle with Acute Leukemia. He was the type of person who never met a stranger and would talk to anyone who wanted to visit. He touched so many people in his 86 years on this earth in many ways. He was an educator, a messenger of faith, a father figure, and a friend. GJ as he was called, welcomed everyone that came to the family but know if he had an opinion, he would share it whether you wanted to know it or not. He loved to share stories of his journeys in this life, and he did have some adventures.
Gilman grew up in Oklahoma City with his parents and two younger brothers. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1951 then spent two years at Central State University. After these brief two years Gilman joined the United States Air Force where he served during Peace time for four years. After returning home, he married Nellie Eberhardt, they had one daughter Shelley Gayle and they made their home in Oklahoma City. Gilman went back to college during that time and obtained his Bachelors of Education from Central State University. He began his teaching career at Culbertson Elementary and in 1971 the family moved to Seminole, Oklahoma where he taught seventh grade Social Studies for 20 years. You could always find Mr. Davis on the playground with the kids.
Gilman joined the Army National Guard where he retired in 1995 after serving for 20 years. He was proud of his time in the Armed Forces and served with dignity and much pride for his fellow soldiers. Gilman loved his weekend time and two-week summer camps, he always came back with lots of stories of escapades during those times, details will not follow!
After Retirement he and Nellie moved to Enid Oklahoma where they lived in a retirement community. They traveled and began wood carving where they met many new friends and made some lifetime memories with their carving buddies. Throughout the years he and Nellie made lots of memories with family and friends through travel, family vacations, and play time on the farm.
Pop enjoyed many different activities in his life, he played softball for many years in Oklahoma City for his church, Western Electric, and for anyone who needed an extra player. He loved Gospel music and during his time in Seminole he would volunteer with his battalion to provide security during the Gospel Jubilee that took place every summer in Seminole. Many may not know but he could carry a tune himself and loved the old hymns. He was a lover of all music, and he passed this love onto his daughter and his granddaughter, Kiley Simon. Gilman was very involved in the Masons, serving as Worshipful Master (grand poopa) two times. He loved participating in their fundraisers like the pancake breakfast.
Gilman is survived by his wife Nellie, his daughter Shelley Simon, son-in-law Brian Simon, granddaughter, Kiley Simon and great grandson Tate Barrilleaux. He is preceded in death by his parents, two younger brothers Phillip and Chris Davis, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Tom and Ellen Eberhardt.
People say the dash between the dates is for the living, well Pop you lived and those who love you are grateful for getting to join you on that ride.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
