John Gardner Davis

John, known to his friends and family as Hound Dawg, the Dawg, or Big Daddy, was born at home in Pittsview, Alabama to the late Mary Ina Burt Davis and William Henry Davis on November 4, 1927. He attended school in the small towns of Pittsview and Seale, Alabama, and graduated from Columbus High School in Georgia. At the age of 17, John enlisted in the US Navy during WWII. After the war, John enrolled in the University of Georgia where he played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. John married Ella Maye Brantley on June 12, 1959, and they were married 50 years before her passing. The couple spent many happy years in Grand Island, Nebraska, Americus, Georgia, Dallas and Breckenridge, Texas, and Daytona Beach, Florida.

John was a successful businessman throughout his life. A gift for salesmanship guided him at the beginning of his career and took him to Redman Industries in Americus, Georgia, and the mobile home industry. He progressed from entry level sales positions, then sales manager, general manager, and VP of the Southern Division. John was promoted to President of Redman Mobile Homes and moved his family to the corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas. John was the first inductee into the Georgia Manufacturing Housing Association Hall of Fame in 1972. His recognition said that “for more than a decade John has been the most eloquent spokesman for mobile homes in the state of Georgia. He has dedicated himself to the furthering of industry goals, particularly in the area of Legislative Action.” John was a true entrepreneur and in 1977 moved to Breckenridge, Texas to form Breck Homes as the president and majority stockholder. In the years following his successful sale of Breck Homes, he founded or assisted in founding a number of other manufacturing and related businesses, and served on numerous boards. John was always respected for the relationships he built and the way he treated everyone at all levels of business.

John was a devoted Christian and was actively involved in the Methodist church wherever he and Maye were living. Wherever he found himself, John took an active role in church leadership boards and committees and generously contributed both his resources and his time wherever needed. John was the Chairman of the Board for Halifax Urban Ministries in Daytona, a faith-based organization which grew to be the area’s largest provider of food, shelter, and basic services to low-income households. John was also very involved in the Walk to Emmaus, a Christian program dedicated to developing Christian disciples and leaders. John supported numerous individuals through their walk, as well as actively participating in a prison ministry. John served on numerous boards supporting a variety of civic organizations wherever he lived. He was selected as Citizen of the Year in Breckenridge, Texas for all he did to benefit the area. Throughout his life he was committed to benefiting his community, taking on both leadership and supportive roles. No doubt when he entered heaven he heard, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, family man, and friend, always supporting his immediate and extended family and friends in any way that he could. Everyone knew they could turn to John for whatever guidance or support they may need. He traveled the country attending every event for his family and visiting his loved ones. In many ways he was the glue that held everyone together and was immensely loved and respected. John’s greatest loves in his life, beyond his family, friends, and his faith, were golf, Georgia Bulldog football, and the beach. Over the years, he spent much of his time enjoying all these things.

John is survived by his three daughters and their families: Cathy Gillespie of Dallas, TX, her husband Blake and daughters Tatum and Caitlin; Ina Toms, of Albertville, AL and her son Brantley and his fiancée Brianna and son John Robert; and Ginny Muse of Ada, OK, her husband Travis and children John David, Michael and Anna Beth. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other family members whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Davis of Stockbridge, GA, his sister Cathy Davis Cox of Florence, AL, and his great granddaughters Charliegh Ann and Tonya Ina Toms of Albertville, AL.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at 10 am at Sparkman Memorial Chapel of Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Methodist Church of Ada, OK, PO Box 566, Ada, OK 74821, or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate or 800-227-2345.