Gerald "Jerry" Edward Davis

Gerald "Jerry" Edward Davis, age 92, peacefully passed away on Sept 29 2024 at his home in Albuquerque, NM.  

Jerry was born on Oct 18, 1931, in San Francisco, CA to Glenn Buckingham Davis and Virginia Bess Bristow. He spent his entire life in NM, mainly in Albuquerque. Jerry graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1952 where he served as Vice-President of his senior class. He was also the Quarterback for the Bulldogs Football team and played Ice Hockey. He loved racing and was a Pit Crew member for his friends the Unser’s, when they raced stock cars here in Albuquerque.  

Following high school, Jerry was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He was stationed state side in Broughton, PA serving as a corporal in the 701st AAA Battalion South Park Military Reservation. Part of their mission was guarding the Steel Mills of Pittsburgh. While in Pennsylvania, he met Jean Crossman, whom he later married on Dec 22, 1955. They settled in Albuquerque where they raised their three children.  

After High School and through his military service, Jerry worked for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company before retiring in 1984. In his 32 year career, he held many positions from lineman to foreman to manager in Grants, NM and Clovis, NM to Safety Director over several western states. Jerry participated in many community service organizations including the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Albuquerque Civic Leaders, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Community Leaders of America, Telephone Pioneers and Belen Elks Lodge 2499. When Jerry wasn’t busy serving as a civic leader, he volunteered to judge local science fairs, served on several church committees at St. Paul’s United Methodist, and had the honor of being a torch bearer for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, CA as the Olympic torch passed through NM. Additionally, Jerry participated as the sighted pitcher for the Blind Baseball Team which won the championship of the Beep Ball World Series in 1981 and 1982.  

After retirement and the passing of his first wife of 30 years, Jean, in July of 1986, Jerry met and married Nancy Chaffin on Jan 10, 1987. During their 37 years of marriage, Jerry and Nancy traveled all over the mainland of the US, Alaska, Hawaii, and abroad to Belize, the West Coast of Mexico, Norway, England and Ireland. 

 Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy Chaffin Davis; daughter, Debbie Jean Davis and partner Stephanie Alimonti; son, Eddie Davis, wife Juliette and their children Caleb, Joshua and wife Hannah, Jordan and wife Elle; son, Shawn Davis, wife Veronica Montano-Davis and their children Pete and Tiffany and families; daughter, Beth Chaffin Lorenz, husband Scott and their children Amanda and wife Kimberly, and Aaron; daughter, Cynthia Chaffin Webb and daughter Victoria; and daughter Amy Chaffin Cherne, husband Curtis and their children Carl and Sarah; brother Glenn B. Davis Jr. and wife Anne; and sister Virginia Kennedy Higgins and husband Gary Byczynski. Jerry is preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Crossman Davis and grand-daughter Evangeline Hernandez-Smock. 

 A military service will be held in the future upon internment following the completion of the Albuquerque National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Wounded Warriors Project in Jerry’s name. 

 A quote taken from Jerry’s business notes, “Let’s leave here in high spirits, no sorrow, not blue, a safe journey in your life’s mission, and God’s speed to each of you.”

We will miss Jerry’s big, kind heart, his beautiful blue eyes and wonderful sense of humor. He was a friend to everyone he met!

A Celebration of Life is now scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, 10:30 AM, M'tucci's restaurant, 1908 Wellspring Ave SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.