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Davis, John Henry, Jr.

May 28, 1941 –
 March 26, 2018

Obituary

Baby boy Davis (actual name on birth certificate for many years) was born May 28, 1941 to John Henry and Bonnell Davis in Dallas, TX. A descendant of one of the first ten families to settle Dallas (then known as Peters Colony) during land grants, this tall, soft spoken Texan grew up a good Garland boy who wore a pale blue Bermuda tux to his senior prom. A Garland Owl (class of 1959), Navy Veteran (radioman/1st. class petty officer), and East Texas State University graduate (double major), Johnny enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved the water and never passed up opportunities to head to the lake to fish or ski (which he taught all the kids.) Rumor has it that he could barefoot (which might not seem such a feat as he wore size 14 shoes.) He definitely got his money’s worth when getting salon pedicures with his wife though. Annual Port Aransas fishing trips were a favorite for 20 years. His biggest catch was a 300 lb. guy on the other side of the boat when their lines tangled underneath. He was a cleverly disguised pool shark. Many a young hotshot pool player challenged him at the house only to find out they sadly underestimated him. He was never one to brag or show off though. As a result he had a darn good poker face. He relished the many trips to meet up with brother-in-law, Dr. John, in Vegas where they’d play marathon poker tournaments (once for 27 hours straight.) During one stay (and in 115 degree heat), they decided to play golf. On the way Johnny commented that it was especially hot in the car. Maybe because the seat heater was turned on? They laughed about that one for quite some time! For years, he enjoyed weekly Bible study, followed by golf and dinner with a group of local life-long friends. He absolutely loved bingo (rumor has it sister Carol is afflicted as well.) Wife Jolene would often “predict” where Johnny had been during that day. He was always amazed until she confessed it was his fluorescent, bingo marker stained hands that gave him away. His memory was stunningly remarkable as well. In 1981, he mastered the game, Simon that Jolene brought home, after only 2 hours. Level 4, sequence of 32 lighted buttons repeated in rapid succession; mastered. To this Jolene replied, “Well, I just wasted $24.95”. An accomplished horseman (along with son Todd), they spent many years breaking horses at mother-in-law Carroll’s ranch in Rockwall. She often failed to mention that some horses they got on had never been ridden before. That certainly made for a wild ride! Johnny loved pulling pranks and enjoyed being on the receiving end as well. We laughed uncontrollably  recounting the time he got a new car and noticed our neighbor, and friend, Tony honking and waving while driving in front of our house in the very same car. Took a moment to realize that it was the same Ford that was parked in our garage! (Not to mention the time they put a Baby Ruth in a discarded toilet behind the neighbor’s house.) Johnny spent almost his entire working career in the electronics industry. Upon retiring from Amphenol in 1997, his wife Jolene told him that his new job from that day forward was to enjoy every day to the fullest. And he most certainly did. John was a rare find. He made it a point to not let anyone down. Warm, gracious, calm, compassionate, loving, patient, dependable, trustworthy and above all else, very honest. A great role model who led by example. He loved his family and friends deeply and never passed up an opportunity to mentor all the children in the family. And it’s very obvious that he lives on through all of them. One of Johnny’s greatest gifts was his ability to communicate with people. And with  ease. He knew people from all walks of life and appreciated all. He believed we can learn something from everyone we meet. Never judgmental and always willing to help someone in need. Solid advice was happily offered if asked for. Charming best describes his personality. Once during a trip to Boston, three women approached him in a restaurant as he was asking for directions. His wife overheard them saying they loved his accent and asked where was he from, all the while touching his arms. Jolene laughed, asking why he didn’t get them to pay the check, as they probably would have. It was always wonderful when Johnny was confused for someone famous, which happened often. Terry Bradshaw? Barry Switzer? Tommy Lee Jones? We’d be told of an hour long wait arriving at a restaurant, only to be seated at a table immediately with impeccable service to follow. No doubt they thought the credit card reading John Davis was a cover. During a trip to Carmel, Johnny was greeted by several well know actors and asked if he was working on any current projects. Annual New Orleans parades were a big favorite too. Athletic Big John caught more than the family’s share of beads. And a few cabbages too! For many years we enjoyed weekly visits to his Mom’s house, where she’d fix the most fabulous vegetables from her garden. This was promptly followed by a  nap on her bed. Saturday’s at Daddy’s consisted of watching Westerns, reading National Enquirer, drinking a Coke and eating a Hershey bar followed by a trip to Furr’s Buffet. Nirvana. Johnny and niece Arianna loved watching movies and SpongeBob together. Since infancy, she was always seated to his left on the sofa. No one dare ask if they could sit by him, all knowing the answer. She also called shotgun when he drove. Mutual adoration best describes their relationship. He and lucky wife Jolene (married 36 years) often joked that they were both so spoiled that no one else would want either of them, as they took such great care of each other. The Davis house has always been filled with family, friends, awesome brunches, bbq cookouts, impromptu gatherings, holiday celebrations, outrageous laughter and enormous love. A fantastic cook, Johnny could mess up a kitchen. Famous for his chili, baked potato soup, bbq brisket, hot spaghetti and chicken enchiladas. And the tamales? Phenomenal! He was his wife’s daily source of amusement as she covertly took silly pictures of him then texting them to his cell. He’d always reply with a wry, little grin. This wonderful man (on his red Toro riding lawn mower) recently reduced a 20 lb. concrete mushroom to a bucket full of fist sized rubble. Quite a feat! Our Big John. A most precious man. A man of incredible faith and conviction. Wise, strong, and fiercely loyal. Decent and kind. A man of his word. A truly beautiful human being inside and out. A giant among men. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and  great friend. John and Jolene spent 38 fantastic years together. As life slowed, sitting out back with a cup of coffee enjoying the sunrise or sunset was as fulfilling as previous travels around the world. A new norm was created. Beauty can be found in most every place you look. You just have to be willing to see. Our giant among men moved from our earthly realm on March 26, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Remarkable still, he never complained. God left him with us for as long as he could. Thank you very much! Our hearts are truly broken but we feel his presence still. No need to say goodbye as we’ll be together always. Watching over us, he’ll forever be our protector. Some measure human worth upon this earth by monetary means or acquiring a lofty profession. The truest measure is actually the contribution that one makes to others for the time God allows us to remain on this earth. Thank you, to such a phenomenal man for all the lives you changed for the better, simply by being you. A Celebration of Johnny’s Life will be held at the Rowlett Community Center, 5300 Main St. in Rowlett on Sunday, May 6 @ 2:00 P.M. All our love, wife Jolene Emerine Davis, mother Bonnie Childers, sons Wade and Todd Davis, grandson T.J. Davis (Eric), mini-me niece/main sidekick Arianna Canfield, brothers-in-law Chad and Chip Canfield, sisters Joan Willeford (Glen) and Carol Burke (Arnie), brother Mike Davis (Judy), Mother-in-law Carroll Canfield and Father-in-law,  John Emerine (Terri), sister-in-law Elizabeth Bahrenburg (Jeff), brothers-in-law Jason Emerine (Bridget), Dr. John Emerine (Dawn) and James Emerine, numerous nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends… Arrangements under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home  19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700

    John and Terri
    3 May 2018
    7:21pm

    I’ve only known John for 8 years, but I’m greatful for those 8 years. Always a gentleman. Kind, courteous and polite. He brought a smile to our face many times. A handsome devil, my sister and I always said he looked like Tommy Lee Jones. He will be greatly missed. Much love ❤️❤️❤️

    Joan and Glen Willeford
    4 May 2018
    7:47am

    We miss Johnny and he will live in our hearts forever. He was a wonderful brother and a constant in our lives. It’s hard to imagine him not being a phone call away. I will always cherish the time I had with him during his stay in the hospital. We loved him so much.

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R. Driver
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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

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      214-340-8009
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      972-526-7410
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