John Galt Davis

John Galt Davis, 81, of Arlington, VA passed away on April 19, 2020. He was born in Cherrydale, the beloved son of the late Ernest Galt Davis and Helen Davis. He was a brother to Betty Joan Hitt and Helen Lee Tyrrell, and brother-in-law to Russell Hitt, Ernest Tyrrell, Gail & Gary Saylor and Linda & Tom Clark. He is survived by his beloved wife Joan Jarrell Davis, his son Martin Davis (wife Paige), and his daughter Melanie Davis Esteban (husband Ric); 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, and 6 nephews. He graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy (Front Royal, VA) in 1956. He worked briefly at the Army Map Service, and then later as a bowling pro. He went on to be a salesman in both the sporting goods and then vehicle industries. John enjoyed going to Charles Town Race Track to watch his father's horses race. John, affectionately known as "Bupsy" to family and friends, was an avid fisherman and genuine outdoorsman. He was a true boating enthusiast who planned trips around the hidden inlets of the Chesapeake Bay, and knew when "the blues would be running". John was a motorcycle enthusiast, and enjoyed weekend road trips west to the Blue Ridge with his family. He was a model train collector, skilled craftsman and many remember the vine ripe tomatoes which he grew in the backyard garden. A kid at heart, he was the cheerful instigator of legendary neighborhood and family kickball, football and basketball games, as well as dirt bike and water skiing adventures. A dog whisperer, "Bups", trained his dog to deliver missed newspapers to the doors of elderly neighbors. John was a born raconteur, and his grandchildren relished his stories about growing up in the D.C. area, as well as his famous milk shakes and homemade potato salad. He was a genuine Washingtonian, loyally cheering on the Washington Nationals and Redskins through the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society @1-800-227-2345 or at www.cancer.org; select "Donate" and then "Yes" for "in memory, first name John Galt and last name Davis". Memorial service to be planned at a later date.