Matthew "Brian" Davis

Matthew “Brian” Davis, 52, of Ben Wheeler, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 27, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. He was born on September 30, 1972, in Grand Saline, Texas to Thomas Gene Davis and Mary Linda Norrell Davis.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bethel Bible Church – Hope Campus in Tyler at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Brian grew up in Canton, Texas and graduated from Canton High School in 1991. Brian loved playing high school baseball and spending time with many friends whom he continued to stay in touch with through the years. He graduated from Texas A&M, class of ’95, with a history degree and received his MBA from the University of Dallas in 2001.

Brian’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to every aspect of his life. He was very active in his church, Bethel Hope, where he served as a Deacon and volunteered on the security team. He attended many bible studies, potluck dinners, and even hosted the men’s group at his ranch a few times. Brian truly loved every member at Bethel and considered it an honor to pray for them and to call them true friends.

Mission work held a special place in Brian’s heart. He took mission trips to Brazil and Africa where he served in various ministries and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brian was involved with Amazon Outreach, taking numerous trips down the Amazon River to serve the “Forgotten People” and to share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ. He served in various ministries while in the villages including: evangelism, eyeglass ministry, pharmacy, men’s ministry, and even VBS! He could often be found in the kitchen cleaning dishes after a meal, rolling up tarps, and helping wherever he could on the boat. He often reflected that he received far more than he gave. He found beauty and peace under the Amazon night sky, especially when spotting the Southern Cross and the brilliance of the Milky Way. He found great joy in worshiping with his guitar. He even learned a few worship songs in Portuguese! He truly fell in love with how God was using him on the river and formed close friendships with many Brazilian translators and crew members.

Professionally, Brian worked as a Safety Manager for the U.S. for Stoneham Drilling and previously for Trinidad Drilling. Brian’s ability to build deep and lasting bonds touched every area of his life, including the workplace. His work took him across the U.S. and around the globe including: Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Kuwait. In addition to mission work, his personal travels took him to Italy, Austria, Germany, Amsterdam, and Switzerland.

Brian enjoyed raising Red Devon Cattle. He often shared updates and photos of his herd, especially the newborn calves, on social media. The ranch reminded him daily of God’s handiwork, but nothing captured his attention quite like the new little ones under his care. His joy for ranch life inspired the launch of Sweetgum Cattle Company, through which he sold grass-fed beef to loyal customers. The ranch was his happy place, and he rarely stayed away for long.

Music was another one of Brian’s passions. He loved playing guitar and singing. He made annual trips to Red Rocks Amphitheater to see the Avett Brothers…bringing along nearly 15 friends and family, over the years, to experience the concert and the special atmosphere of this venue, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

As a lifelong Texas Rangers fan, Brian attended countless regular season games, several playoff games and even Game 1 of the 2023 World Series! He also loved watching football and planned many weekend get-togethers around kickoff.

Brian treasured time with family. He dearly loved his niece and nephews. He thought of them as his own; pouring into them spiritually and relationally. He attended every performance or game of theirs that he could. He shared a love of theology with Jacob, a passion for guitar and the Avett Brothers with A.J., an appreciation of crafts with Jacy, and an admiration of art with Tripp. He was a staunch supporter of the Norrell Family Reunion, the Harris Family Reunion, and was instrumental in organizing the annual get-together that he affectionately titled the “FFFFFF” (The Fall Family Fire, Food, and Fun Festival), a tradition that is sure to live on!

Brian is preceded in death by his father, Tommy Davis; uncle, Rick Davis; grandmother, Lois Davis; and grandfather, J. W. Norrell.

He is survived by his loving mother, Mary Davis; his sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Davlin King; his cherished niece and nephews, Jacy King, Jacob Davis King, A. J. King, and Tripp King; his grandmother, Mary Norrell and a host of dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Brian’s life was a reflection of Christ’s love; marked by compassion, service, and a deep commitment to others. He touched the lives of many, from his church family, to fellow missionaries along the Amazon, to multiple neighbors, family, and friends. Though he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior, and we rejoice in the hope of seeing him again one day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards the work of Amazon Outreach in Brian’s name:

https://ao.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/briandavis2

You can also mail checks with “Brian Davis” in the memo line:

Amazon Outreach

PO Box 260006

Plano, TX 75026