Gary W. Davis

Gary W. Davis, 76, went to be with the Lord peacefully at the Brookdale Assisted Living Facility in Kingsport on January 5th, 2026. Born in the town of Erwin on October 29th, 1949, he was the son of the late Fred and Ruby Mays Davis.

A devoted family man, Gary leaves behind his step-daughter Melanie Mineo and her husband Anthony, his step-son Steve Smithson and his wife Tracy, and his adored grandson Carter Smithson. His presence will be sorely missed by his daughter-in-law, Aylin Davis, and brother, Freddy Johnson. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his son Craig Davis; his brother Keith Davis, as well as his beloved wives, Brenda Presley Davis and Jane Miller Davis.

Gary was a native of Erwin and spent the majority of his life in Johnson City before moving to Kingsport 6 months ago. He was a member of Greenwood Baptist Church, where he instilled values of faith and unity. He spent many years as the owner and operator of a CB radio repair shop in Boones Creek and Johnson City.

As an active participant in the Masonic Order, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, and the Shriners, Gary manifested his commitment to brotherhood and community. He achieved many accomplishments with these organizations.

He was a member of the Masonic Order for 48 years and also became a life member. In 1981, he was the past Master of Johnson City Masonic Lodge 486, where he followed that up by serving as Secretary for 30 years. In 1990, he was elected Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard of the Grand Council of the State of Tennessee. In 1993, he was elected and served as the Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of the State of Tennessee. He served this position again in 2008 and in 2011, becoming the only person to serve this position 3 times in the State of Tennessee. In 2006 & 2007, he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of the State of Tennessee. He later became a member of Unicoi Masonic Lodge 681, where he served as Secretary for 5 years. In December, he recently completed his service as Chaplain and Trustee.

With his service in the York Rite, he served as Chapter Council and Commandery and had received the KYCH, and he received the Order of the Purple Cross. He was also the Secretary of the Red Cross of Constantine.

Gary's gentle spirit and warm, welcoming smile uplifted all who had the pleasure of encountering him. He approached life with a generous heart, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand. His absence will create an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him.

Gary’s family will receive from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Friday, January 9th, 2026, at Snyder’s Memorial, located at 5913 Kingsport Hwy, Gray, TN. A memorial service to honor Gary will follow, with Pastor Bill Murray officiating. The graveside service will follow at Washington County Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Unicoi Masonic Lodge 681, 4120 Unicoi Dr., Unicoi, TN 37692, or to Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give/716571.

Snyder’s Memorial is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gary W. Davis.

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