Rob was born March 17, 1959, the son of Thomas and Robbie Davis. He was employed as a photojournalist, police officer, firefighter, certified EMT, certified paramedic, nurse and certified respiratory therapist with several departments and hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding cities throughout his career. He was a graduate of both the regional police and fire academies. Rob held a B.S. degree from Trinity College with a major in occupational health and safety. He held numerous certificates from health, police, fire and nursing training facilities. He continued his education throughout his life. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, and was discharged in 1978.
Rob's most recent employment was as a contract nurse in Iraq with KBR (2004-2006). While in Iraq he made many friends, including Iraqi generals. He helped Iraqis when they came to him for medical needs, and the general heard and asked to meet Rob and would invite him to the palace for tea. Rob really enjoyed their friendship and was given a beautiful present when he left.
He was so good at diagnosing illnesses and taking care of our soldiers that they built a medical clinic for him to run by himself. Some of his patients were Navy Seals who usually only went to the Navy doctors. The truck drivers who drove the supplies to the servicemen became his close friends. When they got home, they had reunions and included "Doc." He wasn't able to drive anymore or walk, but they took care of him like he did them when they were in Iraq. Rob spent several years traveling with Pat Green and his band and had many friends in the music business that he helped any way he could.
He was a professional photographer and took pictures for the Star-Telegram for several years. When Delta Flight 191 crashed at Dallas-Fort Worth on Aug. 2, 1985, he was one of the first responders to help. He also took pictures of the crash that they published and have repeated on anniversaries of the crash.
Diagnosed with ALS in 2006, Rob valiantly carried on his life. He said that he would rather retain his social ability than his mobility. He was active in various forums on the internet, including paramedic and radar sites, as well as the new site, "Remember in Arlington, TX when..." Rob provided advice and suggestions to anyone who asked. His goal in life was to serve others and to help them improve themselves by sharing his experiences and education.
Rob was the best son anyone ever had. I will miss his smile and laugh. His stories about his experiences were fascinating and his personality was so beautiful that everyone fortunate enough to have crossed his path felt better off by just having him for a friend. When he was in high school, the Texas Rangers baseball team came to town and Rob spent the first year going to all the games. By the second year, they asked him to work in the clubhouse where he met and became friends with the managers, coaches and players. He is still remembered for his enthusiasm and hard work trying to make things better for the players. Billy Martin had a rule that no one could sit in the dugout but asked Rob to. He really loved them and was so happy that after all these years that they were finally in the World Series last year and won the division title this year.
Rob was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Davis; grandfather, Sam B. Waite; and grandmother, Evelyn Vaughan.
Survivors: Mother, Robbie Rae Pritchard and stepfather, Joe Pritchard of Arlington; father, Ralph Ruth of Brenham; aunt, Jodie Wilson of Galveston; uncle, Sam Waite of Yokohama, Japan; brother, Jim Davis of Arizona; brother, Michael Ruth of Dallas; sister, Katie Ruth of Dallas; numerous cousins throughout Texas; and many friends throughout the world.
Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Chapel
4216 S. Bowen Rd.
Arlington, TX 76016
(817) 468-8111
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