Obituary

Raymond Wesley Davis (Ray), son of Donald and Lorraine Davis, was born August 3, 1945 in Davis County, Iowa, and passed away on June 10, 2025, at Brio WesleyLife, in Johnston, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Ray grew up in Bloomfield, Iowa, attended a one room school and graduated from Davis County High School in1963. Ray attended the University of Iowa on a wrestling scholarship and as an Iowa Letterman, he was a lifelong fan and ardent supporter of the Hawkeyes. It was at the U of I that he met and married his wife, Vicki (Dillon) Davis. After graduation, Ray was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force through the ROTC program and was stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. His ambition of becoming a pilot in the Air Force was derailed when he failed a test for color blindness.

After being honorably discharged as a Captain in the Air Force, Ray spent his career in Des Moines as a stock broker, a Trust Officer at Bankers Trust, and 31 years at EMC Insurance Company, where he served as Senior Vice President/Treasurer. In addition, he served on several Boards of Directors over the years. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, he was a past president of the CFA Society of Iowa. After retirement in 2010, Ray and Vicki spent winters at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida, where they participated in tennis, golf, bridge, and bocce with many other fellow snowbirds. They enjoyed hosting Iowa friends who were suffering from “cabin fever”.

Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vicki; son Bryan Davis (Patrice), Johnston, Iowa; grandsons Jackson Davis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Colby Davis, at the U of I; and granddaughter Marisa Davis, of Johnston. All of whom Ray was exceedingly proud of and brought him great joy. In addition, he is survived by a brother, Russell Davis of Irvine, California. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Davis of Bloomfield, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 2 - 4pm at The Cork - 6205 Merle Hay Road, Johnston.

In Ray’s memory, contributions may be offered to WesleyLife Hospice-Urbandale,Iowa, who provided compassionate care, comfort and support to Ray and his family over the past year or to the “Good Samaritan Promise at Brio” of Johnston, Iowa, to help with residential care for seniors in need, at https://www.wesleylife.org/foundation/impact-areas

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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