He lived a life marked by love, faith, and devotion to his family.
John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janice Davis; daughters Allison Davis and Amy Davis, all of Fate, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Sue and Ron Meritt of Mineola; sister-in-law Dianne Martin of Abileen; nieces and nephews Kristen and Jon Gowen, Mark and Lora Meritt, Jay and Kristy Ward, Stacy and Greg Anthony, Michael and Erin Martin, Randy and Rose Martin, and Tammy and Donny Riggin; granddogs Madden, Alabama, and Texas;special family friends Elda and Josh and Lillian and Layla Hudson; and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dee and Frances Davis; in-laws Toxie and Callie Price; sister Linda Kirby; brother-in-law Ray Martin; and granddogs Landry and Peyton.
John was born to Dee and Frances Davis on February 4, 1948. He was a (nearly) lifelong Greenville resident, graduating from Greenville High School in 1966 and East Texas State University in 1970. Since 1966, he dedicated 60 years of service to Coker-Mathews Funeral Home serving as Senior Vice President, Funeral Director and Embalmer, showing his quiet faith and infinite kindness helping so many families in their time of need. Away from work, John loved spending time with all his girls, watching them watch football, grilling for his family, and caring for his loved ones. He lived a life of quiet but steadfast faith in the Lord and was a member of Highland Terrace Baptist Church.
He tried, though unsuccessfully, to retire from Coker-Mathews in 2020. Though he stopped meeting with families, he still continued working in the office at Coker-Mathews, as he said to keep them out of trouble! 2021 did mark his and Janice's move to the Fate area, making his daughter's commute shorter. His granddog Peyton believed he spent extra time at home because of her, and she became his shadow. While his health declined over the years, he kept living fully and spoiling all his girls.
We request that memorials be made at a charity near to your hearts in honor of John, our beloved husband and Daddy.
Pallbearers will be Ron Merritt, Josh Hudson, Greg Anthony, Greg Coats, Kevin Lohmeyer, Mike Rackley and Randy Tarpley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jay Ward, Butch Mitchell, Fernando Estrella, Mark Merritt, Michael Martin, Luke Anthony and Randy Martin.
We know John is in Heaven now and fully healthy. We will cherish this thought through these trying days and weeks and months ahead. We have faith that God's will has been done, and He will guide and strengthen us at this time. And Peyton is already showing him her favorite street of gold! We love you always, Daddy.
Condolences(9)
Kathy de Haas
Longmont, CO Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Sending love and condolences to John Davis's family. I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing.I know my dad (Glenn Mitchell) welcomed him to the kingdom of heaven and was thrilled to be with him. Many prayers and lots of love sent to his family at Coker Mathews Funeral Home. My heart is with Johnny's family, Butch, and all the employees, and the many friends Johnny had.
My deepest sympathies,
Kathy de Haas
Regina Merriweather
Garland, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Dear Mama Davis, Allinson, and Amy,I was deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Davis's passing. Although I didn't have the privilege of knowing him personally, the love and respect you all have for him shine through in everything that was shared about him. It's clear that he touched the lives of so many and left lasting memories.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories, you've created together, and in the knowledge that he is now at peace with the Lord.
Warm regards,
Ms. Merriweather
Steve Garland
QUINLAN, TX Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Many condolences to the family and loved ones.John was such a kind soul.
I know he will be missed dearly.
I worked with him as a night attendant at Coker-Matthews in the mid 80's.
Sheila Tullar
Wilmington, NC Monday, January 5, 2026 Dear Janice and Girls,I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind and gentle man. We are fortunate to have known him. Prayers and hugs for you and girls.
Don and Brenda Thorn
Melbourne, FL Monday, January 5, 2026 Janice, I was so sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was one of the kindest Godly men we have ever known. It’s so hard to lose ones mate but at least can get some peace knowing he is with our Lord and Savior in Heaven. You, the girls and family will be in our prayers. May God bless and comfort you.Cheri Neil
MCKINNEY, TX Monday, January 5, 2026 He handled Everything for me when Pat died…I asked him to be the one that picked Pat up, to take him to Coker’s, and at 3am in the morning, Johnny was there to help me.Bless him, and his family❤️😢
Jerry Axton
Buckeye, AZ Sunday, January 4, 2026 R.I.P. - my condolences to his family.Many GHS and class of 1966 memories. Starting with Joe Peters as ringmaster. Many fond memories with John and Butch at CMP. Gladly I knew yo as a friend. Jerry
Rebecca Grantham
Greenville, TX Saturday, January 3, 2026 Janice, Amy and Allison I am so very sorry. John was an amazing husband and father and loved each of you dearly. I, myself feel blessed to have known him. You are in my thoughts and prayers and sending my love.Becky Grantham
Casey Lister
Mineral Wells, TX Saturday, January 3, 2026 John was a wonderful boss. He taught me so much about funeral service. He was a wonderful Christian man and mortician and will be missed.