Charles Davis

Charles “Chuck” Henry Davis, 88, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather passed away October 15, 2016, in Dillon, Montana. He was born November 23, 1927 in Salmon, ID to Benjamin H. (Ben) and Mazie Davis. Chuck grew up in Dillon and was a sports legend excelling in all sports, especially basketball. His natural talent led to earned letters for each of his four years at Beaverhead County High School and again at the University of Montana. While playing for the Beavers, he led the team to the state basketball championship in 1946 and was named to the All-State High School squads three years in a row. After high school, Chuck continued with his sports career at the university with multiple honors to include selection to both the Look and Collier’s All American Basketball Teams and ultimately earning his place in the University of Montana Athletic Hall of Fame. Chuck served in the United States Army with the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA and on the island of Guam. While on active duty, he continued to play basketball and was selected to the United States World Wide Army Team. Chuck married his sweetheart Virginia (Ginny) Harkins of Butte in 1952 after their courtship while attending the university. After finishing college, Chuck returned to Dillon in 1954 to raise his family and joined his father in the automobile business, serving Dillon under the banner of Davis Motors and Davis Conoco until he sold the business in 1974. He then went on to work for the United States Forest Service, from which he retired 18 years later in 1992. One of Chuck’s many hobbies was collecting antique automobiles. He owned numerous cars throughout his lifetime but is known for his pink 1949 Willys Jeepster which has been a fixture in Dillon Labor Day parades for many years. He was a talented artist and woodworker who became known as the “Reindeer Man” with his immense herd of handmade wooden reindeer that he would put on display outside his home each Christmas holiday season. Chuck was a mainstay in the town of Dillon and was known by all as a friendly and humorous gentleman who loved to visit. He served with numerous organizations throughout his lifetime including the Elks 1554 (Exalted Ruler), Dillon Masonic Lodge and American Legion (63 years). He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife of 64 years and “best girl” Virginia (Ginny) and their four children, Chuck Jr. (Connie), Bill (Marsha), John (Barbara) and Melanie. He is also survived by his six grandchildren (Charles III, William, Marissa, Elizabeth, Christine and Hayley), three great grandchildren (Benjamin, Brielle and Brayden), his sister Alice (Gallup, NM), brother Sam (Katharine) (Alpine, TX), three sisters-in-law (Helen, Frances and Connie) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Jack, Ben “Bennie” and Ed. Services will be held Friday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. in the Brundage Funeral Home, 300 S. Atlantic St., Dillon, MT 59725. Memorial contributions can be made to the Barrett Hospital Hospice, 600 State Hwy 91, Dillon, MT 59725.