Rex Davis
October 31, 1931 - October 10, 2023
U.S. VETERAN
Rex Stuart Davis
October 31, 1931-October 10, 2023
Rex passed peacefully October 10,
2023 surrounded by family at home.
Rex Davis was born on October 31,
1931 in Larkspur, Colorado to George and Arlee Stuart Davis. He lived there
until eighth grade and then moved with his parents and brother, Jimmy to
Richland, Washington where his father worked on the Hanford Project.
Rex graduated from Richland High
School in 1949. His interests were gymnastics and football. After graduation,
he enrolled at Washington State University (WSC at the time). From 1949-1953,
Rex was a student athlete who earned three letters in gymnastics and was a
member of the Cheer Squad.
While in college, Rex attended
Simpson United Methodist Church and met Alice Mae Riley in 1950. He noticed her
as she sang in the choir and Rex said it was love at first sight. After that,
they began dating. Church, music, and dancing became integral parts of their
lives. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Rex and
Alice married on July 11, 1953 in Walla Walla, Washington. They remained
faithfully wed for 70 years until his death.
Prior to Rex being called to serve
in US Army, Korean War, they moved to Bridgeport, Washington, then Walla Walla
for a brief time. While serving, Private Rex Davis, Special Services, learned
to play tennis from Grant Golden in Seoul, Korea. He was given the title of
Physical Activities Specialist and transferred to Camp Zama, Japan. He
introduced and instructed military personal and their families along with army
civilians, the game of tennis. Because of this opportunity, Rex spent his life
coaching, teaching, and playing tennis.
After his two years of service
overseas in the Army (1953-1955), Rex and Alice made a home in Richland, his
hometown. He taught elementary PE classes, as well as coached boys’ and girls’
tennis and gymnastics at his high school alma mater.
In 1962, while teaching and
coaching, Rex received a Master’s in Education from WSU.
In August of 1966, Rex was offered a
position at Washington State University (WSU) teaching Physical Education
classes along with courses for PE majors and Elementary Education teachers. Rex
and Alice returned to Pullman. In addition to teaching, he became the
gymnastics coach from 1966-68 as well as tennis coach from 1967-1994. His
career in both sports included coaching men and women. Rex was quoted as
saying, “My philosophy of coaching was to try to bring out the best in an
athlete. Their athletic performance was important, but just as vital was
their attitude as a human being and their concentration on academic
excellence.” While teaching and coaching, Rex received a Doctorate of
Education at the University of Idaho in 1982.
Rex retired in 1994 from WSU. He and
Alice began traveling along with visiting family and friends. You could also
see him playing tennis with friends, helping coach PHS high school tennis
teams, or hitting tennis balls with his family.
After his career at WSU, Rex
received deserving honors and awards. He earned a Gray W letter in gymnastics
and later was on the board. In 1995, the Center Court at WSU outdoor tennis
facility was named in his honor. Soon after, he was given the Alumni Achievement
Award for 50 years of service. In 2007, Rex became an honorary member of the
Legacy of Women Athletes, WSU. After his career at WSU, Rex received Wall of
Fame award, Class of 2004 at Richland High School for Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis
and Gymnastics coach. Later, he was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame, Class
of 2015 for Tennis and gymnastics coaching. He had the highest graduation rate
of any team in the school’s history.
In the Pullman community, Rex shared
his positive outlook on life and had a servant’s heart. He volunteered at
Simpson United Methodist church in many roles alongside his wife, Alice, served
Meals on Wheels, and was a committee member of Circles of Caring. He
volunteered for “Adopt A County Road” along a section of Johnson Road. He was
ready at a moment’s notice to lend a hand to others.
The memories of Rex and his legacy
in the art of listening, work ethic, quiet strength, determination, and
kindness will sorely be missed.
Rex is survived by his wife, Alice,
daughter Vicky (Noel Elliott), daughter Cathy (Tim Healy), son Gary (Karen
Garrett), daughter Penny (David Woodruff). He leaves behind 10 grandchildren
and 7 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded
in passing by his parents, George and Arlee Davis; brother Jimmy Davis; and
son, Larry.
The family will greet friends at a
visitation on Tuesday, Oct. 17th from 3-6 pm at Corbeill Funeral Home in
Pullman, WA. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11,
2023 at 1 PM at Simpson United Methodist Church in Pullman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to Simpson United Methodist Church Memorials, Pullman, Washington or a
charity of your choice. Corbeill Funeral Home in Pullman is caring for the
family.
Visitation
- Tuesday,
October 17, 2023
- 3:00 PM - 6:00
PM
- Corbeill Funeral Home
905
S. Grand Ave.
Pullman, WA 99163
Memorial
Service
- Saturday,
November 11, 2023
- 1:00 PM
- Simpson United Methodist Church
325 NE Maple Street
Pullman, WA 99163
Condolences
·
Kelly Ryan from
CLARKSTON, wrote on Oct. 16, 2023
Alice,
Penny, and family, I am sorry for your loss, I understand the hole it leaves in
your hearts. I can vividly remember looking up at him in your house, his smile,
his white polo and his red shorts. Were we 8? 9? He left an impression on so
many. May you find peace in your own memories.
·
Brad &
Camille Loomis wrote on Oct. 15, 2023
In Loving
Memory of Rex Davis, In loving memory of a wonderful person who will be loved
and missed always.
A Sympathy
Gift of Grove of 100 Trees has been Planted In Loving Memory of Rex Davis
courtesy of Brad & Camille Loomis.
·
Mary
Schweitzer wrote on Oct. 14, 2023
In Memory of
Rex Davis, May you rest in peace, Rex. Condolences to Alice and family.
A Sympathy
Gift of Single Tree has been Planted In Loving Memory of Rex Davis courtesy of
Mary Schweitzer.
·
Lee &
Sharon Simmelink from Kennewick, WA, wrote on Oct. 13, 2023
I am so
sorry to hear of Rex's passing. Alice, it was so nice chatting with you several
weeks ago and reminiscing about the Richland days and babysitting your kids. I
enjoyed getting e-mails from Rex every once in a while, too. Praying for peace
and comfort for you and your family during this very difficult time.