Davis grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Metallurgy. While in school, Davis began serving in the United States Army Ordnance Corps Reserve and was assigned to the Watertown Arsenal Laboratories. Davis attained the rank of Captain during his decade of service.
It was during his time at MIT that Davis married the love of his life, Bebe Bailey. They were married on June 11, 1955 and began a journey together that lasted 65 years. After graduation, Davis accepted a position as a Physical Metallurgist with Alcoa Aluminum in Pennsylvania before they moved back to Kentucky where he was a Professor of Metallurgy at the University of Kentucky.
In 1962, Davis began a twenty-three year career with IBM Corporation as a Senior Engineer. During his time at IBM, he received numerous honors and awards and was responsible for a number of corporate patents. Davis’ career with IBM took them from Kentucky to New York, Colorado and Arizona. After a final stint teaching at Colorado State University, he and Bebe settled in Lubbock, Texas to be near family.
Davis was not only a scientist and inventor, but was also an avid golfer, animal lover, and humorist that amused friends and family with his keen wit and clever stories. As a lifelong lover of music, he found outlets for singing in high school and college, in civic and church choirs, and enjoyed the excitement of performing at Carnegie Hall.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Davis Fields III, Brenda Ferguson (Tom), Gregory Fields (Dawn); grandchildren, Wes Pearson (Jill), Davis Fields IV (Kira), Christian Pearson (Allie), Jim Fields, Chase Pearson, and Grace Moore (Philip); and eight great-grandchildren.
Davis was preceded in death by his wife Bebe, his parents, and brother, Donald Lee Fields.
Private Services will be held under the direction of Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock, Texas with Michael Kenny officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.
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