Willie J. Davila

FEBRUARY 10, 1926 - FEBRUARY 17, 2022

On February 17, 2022, Willie Juarez Davila, a faithful servant of God earned his wings after living a full life of 96 years in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on February 10, 1926 to Nicolas and Luisa Davila in Kaufman, Texas.

Willie grew up in a farm on the western edge of Nueces County. Years later, his brothers and Willie bought a ranch in Duval County, Texas where they raised cattle. Willie and his wife, Maria worked to ensure his children did things the right way, respected others and did well in school and they passed this on to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Willie was a strong person, a hard worker, a positive thinker, a risk taker but above all, a person of Christ. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic Church. He ran a gasoline station, a small trucking operation and bought and sold properties. Finally, he retired from the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, as a Supervisor.

Willie was one of the individuals who was instrumental in helping Dr. Hector P. Garcia start the American G.I. Forum along with being a founding member of the American G.I. Forum Dr. Hector P. Garcia Chapter. He was a loyal member to whatever Dr. Hector needed help with. He was a part of a group that traveled with Dr. Hector throughout Texas and other states helping create chapters in the various cities and states. When the Texas Rangers or “Rinches” as they were called amongst the Mexicanos, were trying to arrest Dr. Hector, Willie, along with others would help hide Dr. Hector and protect him with their lives while on the road. Willie was one of three men stayed by Dr. Hector’s side until his passing. They would play Dominoes every Saturday night when they were in Corpus. Willie was a devout member to the AGIF and continued helping the chapters after the doctor’s passing.

Willie is predeceased by the following family members, his wife, Maria A. Davila, his daughter, Priscilla Davila, his parents Nicolas & Luisa Davila and his brothers, Venaver, Luis Davila and sister, Eulogia Davila.

He leaves his family to cherish his memories, daughters, Refugia (Gilbert) Saenz, Alice (Arvine) Gibson and son, Nicolas Davila. Grandchildren, Chris, Diaz, Gilbert Saenz, Laura (Brian) Cooper, Marcus (Sally) Davila, Andrew (Marisa) Davila, Nicolas Davila and Noe Davila. Great grandchildren, Zachary, Kaitlyn, Alexander, Aaron, Isabella, Emily, Madison, Cayden, Alyssa and Benjamin.

Visitation will begin on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Del Angel Funeraria located at 549 Cheyenne St., Corpus Christi, Texas with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.