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Charley William "Willy" Davis © Stephens-Key Funeral & Cremation Care Submitted by: Sharon
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Charley William "Willy" Davis
April 13, 1946 - March 28, 2026
Charley William "Willy" Davis passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, two weeks shy of 80 years old, surrounded by the love of his family.
Willy was born on April 13, 1946, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Joe and Carmen (Walker) Davis. He spent his early years in Langley, Oklahoma, and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Langley. Willy attended Ketchum High School where he graduated in 1965.
In April 1966, Willy answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States Army. By December of that year, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with the 9th Infantry Division as a "tunnel rat" - one of the most dangerous and courageous roles in the war. Willy served honorably until April 1968, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with "V" device for valor, recognizing his extraordinary heroism in ground combat.
After returning home, Willy settled back in Langley, Oklahoma, and began working for Unit Rig in Tulsa. He later built a long and respected career as a heavy equipment operator with Williams Construction, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring.
On June 6, 1986, Willy and Mary were married in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They resided in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Beginning in 1997, they regularly attended 9th Infantry reunions, cherishing the lifelong bonds "Shorty" shared with his fellow soldiers. He was a proud member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Tahlequah.
Willy had a passion for working with his hands and could often be found in his garage building or restoring classic cars and trucks. There were countless trophies from hot rod shows collected over the years and he loved a good cruise night with Mary and friends. He enjoyed listening to oldies music (especially Elvis), a cold beer, and took great pride in being the family's grill master. Whether it was steaks, burgers, or his infamous ribs, Willy made sure no one ever left hungry. He liked to press his luck at the casino slot machines and wouldn't miss a chance at passing up buying a few lottery tickets. But his biggest jackpot was the love he had for others. Although small in stature, Willy's heart was as big as the country he so proudly served. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, creating memories that will be carried forward for generations.
Willy is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Mary Davis; their six children, Joe (Tracy) Davis, Robyn Ketcher, Robert (Shea) Jacome, Tina (Michael) Bahn, Stevie Davis, and Matt (Tabby) Davis; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Glenda (Dale) Cravens; his aunt, Marjorie Wallis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Carmen Davis.
Willy will be remembered as a proud patriot, a hardworking man, a loyal friend, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His strength, courage, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.
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