Gerald Wayne Davis

Gerald (Gary) Wayne Davis, 82, passed away at Multicare Memorial on September 26, 2024 after a short illness. He was born October 13, 1941 in Vancouver, Washington to Harry (Bob) Davis and Lucille Curts. He was raised in Yakima and felt special ties to the nearby Bumping Lake area where, as a child, he spent much time “assisting” his parents in building a family cabin.

He graduated from Davis High School in 1959 and later attended the University of Washington for a period of time. In the 1960’s he worked for Boeing in Seattle and then relocated to Moses Lake where he was a purchasing agent for U and I Sugar. In 1972 he assumed that same position at Central Steel and Tank in Yakima.

In 1973 Gary married Lyndal (Keith) and together they raised her daughter Janine Judge. In 1979 son Neal Davis joined the family. As soon as Neal was old enough, Gary passed on his own love of cars to him. The two of them spent countless hours working on restoring a 1964 Buick for Neal to drive when he turned 16.

When Gary became a general contractor in 1980, he began the work which would define his life until his passing. He derived a great deal of satisfaction envisioning possibilities in buildings and structures in need of modifications or updating, possibilities which others might not have seen. Later his work expanded into designing and building new residences and a condominium project. He especially enjoyed the designing process. Later in life, when the physicality of general contracting became more challenging, his passion for creating things from various types of wood evolved and he found great enjoyment in doing custom cabinetry. A favorite project was building a customized bed for each grandchild.

Over the years his shop building became a gathering place for friends to drop in, seek advice on a home project, make use of power tools or solve the world’s problems.

Gary attended Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church and created several special items that are utilized in the Sanctuary and Garden Room.

In addition to his wife of 51 years, Gary is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Janine and Mark Taylor and their children, Bethany and Micah, of Poulsbo, WA, son Neal Davis and his daughters, Cora and Alice of Huntsville, Alabama, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Royal and Kay Keith, and several nieces and nephews.

The family wish to thank Terry, Randy and Stacy for their helpfulness throughout the years. Thanks also to Dr. David Pommer, as well as the exceptional doctors, nurses and staff of Multicare Memorial and Northstar Lodge who treated Gary in his final two weeks.

If desired, memorials can be made to Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Ghormley, Union Gospel Mission or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A memorial service for Gerald will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Of Christ Presbyterian Church, 9 S 8th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Davis family.