Don Davis

Don Davis, age 80, of Cave Spring, Georgia, passed away on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Gainesville, Florida, in 1944, Don was a lifelong Florida Gators fan, always cheering for his beloved Orange and Blue. He was the son of Raymond and Vera Davis and spent his early years in Gainesville before being called to serve in the Air Force. After his return from Vietnam, he met and fell in love with Gaile Green, who became his best friend and the love of his life for the next 56 years. In 1973, they welcomed their daughter, Christy, completing their family.

Don was a dedicated student and earned degrees from the University of Florida, Yale University, the University of Central Florida, and Berry College. His true passion lay in teaching, and he found joy as a fifth-grade teacher in both Polk and Floyd County. Known for his storytelling and warm voice, Don also enjoyed playing tennis, but his greatest joy was being a devoted husband and father. He and Gaile were inseparable, always seen walking hand in hand.

One of Don’s most enduring legacies is his love of sports, games, and wordplay, which he passed on to his daughter. A man of deep faith and many talents, Don took pride in his stage performances at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center, but his humility often led him to work behind the scenes, preferring to support others. For many years, he and Gaile served in children’s programs at Cave Spring First Baptist Church, nurturing the faith of younger generations.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Gaile, and his daughter, Christy. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond (Judy) Davis and Larry (Marsha) Davis; his sister, Judy Lipham; several nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, Lynn (Charlie) Self and Fred (Angela) Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vera Davis.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday morning. Friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life and legacy at a reception hosted by Cave Spring Baptist Church on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or to support the work of Friendship Baptist Church in Cedartown, Georgia. Reflecting Don’s love for the Florida Gators, attendees are welcome to wear orange and blue and share a story in his honor.