Nathan David Davis

Nathan "Nate" David Davis, 77, passed away peacefully to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 30th, 2024. Nate dealt with both Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia for many years. He was born in Oak Ridge, TN, on October 13, 1946, to Claude C. Davis and Dorothy G. Davis.

A 1964 graduate of Mainland High School, Daytona Beach, Florida, Nate then attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, 1968-1969. He received his A & P license as a helicopter mechanic. He was then employed by Petroleum Helicopters International, Inc in Lafayette, Louisiana for 42 years. It was a career he deeply loved and enjoyed. He began as a general helicopter mechanic, working at various company bases, as well as on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years he had various supervisory positions leading to Assistant Director of Hanger and Plant 1 Shops. He maintained a perfect safety record during his 42 years. The friendships and connections he had with co-workers at PHI were a source of pride and gratitude.

He loved his family and was so proud of his sons and grandchildren. He always enjoyed hearing about their activities and accomplishments.

He was an avid fan of old cars and especially enjoyed his '46 Ford, '66 Mustang, and '92 Camaro. He also enjoyed rebuilding old Fiats and attending antique car shows. He enjoyed fishing, especially in out of the way places. His favorite music group was the Eagles. He also enjoyed the Bee Gees, Willie Nelson, and Blue Grass music.

He returned to Daytona Beach in 2002 after marrying his high school sweetheart, Phyllis McAbee Davis. They worshipped and served at Central Baptist Church where he enjoyed the fellowship of singing in the choir. Upon retirement they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, camping in every state in the US. Each year he enjoyed planning their travel route that involved 3-5 months of travel each summer for seven straight years. Touring the sites out West was one of his favorite things. In 2019, they moved to Westerville, Ohio, to live with Phyllis' daughter and family to help with his increasing health needs.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Phyllis Davis, Westerville, OH; his son, Joseph (Jill) Davis, Lafayette, LA; his daughter-in-law, Sheri Davis, Walker, LA; his sister, Mary (Terry) Sellers, Palm Coast, FL; stepdaughter, Rebecca (George) Dirscherl, Westerville, OH; stepson, Jamie Trimble, Charleston, SC, plus 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and 7 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His sense of humor, kindness and love will be greatly missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents, Claude C. Davis and Dorothy G. Davis, his brother, Claude Davis, Jr. and his son, Eric Nathan Davis.

Loving thanks and appreciation go to the staff and caregivers at The Ganzhorn Suites Specialized Memory Care in Powell, Ohio. Their care and support for Nate during his final year made a positive difference for him and his family. We are forever grateful for their outstanding Parkinson's and Dementia care and compassion.

Memorial arrangements have been made in Ohio and Florida. On April 20, there will be a drop-in memorial reception from 2:30 - 4:30 in room 4 of the Ministry Center at Grace Polaris Church, 8225 Worthington Galena Road, Westerville, Ohio. On April 27, 11:00am there will be a Celebration of Life Service at Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida, with a luncheon following. This service will be livestreamed for out-of-town family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations: Parkinson's Foundation, Lewy Body Dementia Association, Voice of the Martyrs, and Wycliffe Bible Translators.