Gleason "Glenn" Davis' Obituary
Gleason “Glenn” Ayers Davis, 83, of Laneville, Texas, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ on January 19, 2026. He was a loving brother, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was also a respected businessman, mentor, and friend whose life touched the lives of family, friends, employees, and all who knew him.
Glenn was born on July 10, 1942, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Charlie and Emma Davis. After serving in the U.S. Army, Glenn turned his drive and leadership into a remarkable career. Glenn was a great innovator and leader who was successful in basically every endeavor he pursued. For over 60 years, his entrepreneurial spirit had a vast impact on the non-destructive testing and inspection industry. He started multiple companies and employed thousands over the course of his career. He began in Dallas with NDT Services in the early 1960’s. He then moved his family to East Texas in 1976 and started or partnered multiple companies over the next 50 years. He had a tremendous impact on thousands of clients that he serviced and the employees that worked with him. With his guidance and mentorship, many of those employees went on and began their own successful opportunities in the industry. He loved his employees and always wanted the best for them. His legacy will be remembered and missed in the industry.
He found joy in life on the ranch, caring for his land and cattle and spending time with his dogs. He enjoyed trips to the beach, fishing, swimming, golfing, and reading the Bible and books on a wide range of subjects. Glenn had a mischievous side, and he loved recalling the trouble he and his brothers found as children. With each retelling, his stories often grew bigger, picking up a few extra details along the way. He also had a playful competitive spirit and sometimes loved to one-up those around him. Whether in business, on the golf course, or in everyday life, he loved to win. Friends and family knew that behind his competitive streak was a man who took delight in life’s simple pleasures and shared them with those he loved. He was known for having a big heart and for being humble and generous, often giving quietly behind the scenes.
Glenn was a great dad who loved his kids and his grandkids. His grandchildren called him Papu, Paps, and Pappy. He went to their games, school events, and special moments whenever he could. He loved being part of their lives.
He was a longtime member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. In recent years, he attended Bar None Cowboy Church in Tatum, and First Baptist Church of Henderson.
He is survived by his children, Jamie Davis and his wife, Kimberly; Scott Davis and his wife, Katherine; and Traci Hart and her husband, Joel; his grandchildren, DeAnna Davis; Taylor Gray and his wife, Kayleigh; Allison Gentry and her husband, Eddie; Chris Davis and his wife, Allyson; Austin Davis, Andrew Davis, Grace Davis; and Josh Hart; and ten great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Nate, Adyson, Bailee, Kennedy, Zoey, Brady, Caleb, Theo, and William. Glenn also had a large extended family.
He is also survived by his siblings, Robert Davis, Michael Davis, and Betty Redfern.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Emma Davis, and his siblings: Jessie Davis, Charles Davis, Albert Davis, Mary Louise Cerveny, and Lelia Smith; his former spouse and longtime friend, Dorothy Davis; and his longtime companion, Carol Lee.
A Visitation Service will be held on Thursday, January 22, from 6-8 pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. The following day, a Service to Celebrate Glenn’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, 10:00 am again at Rader funeral home, with a memorial service to follow at Rosewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joel Hart, Taylor Gray, Chris Davis, Austin Davis, Andrew Davis, and Nate Roberts. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Gentry, Alan Dorsey, and David Powers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of Gleason?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gleason?
Share a story where Gleason's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gleason you’ll never forget.
How did Gleason make you smile?
