Larry William Davis

Larry Davis, 78, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. He had been a resident there for four months.

Larry William Davis was born in Putnam County, MO, on December 28, 1940, the son of Raymond and Helen (Arnold) Davis, who preceded him in death. Larry was reared in Putnam County and graduated from Unionville High School in 1958. He had begun working at Hy-Vee Food Store as a junior in High School in 1957 and continued that association for 42 years, retiring in 1999. Larry was drafted into the United States army in 1963 and served two years during the Vietnam War. He married Shiela Rick in Livonia, MO, on November 12, 1966, and she survives at home.

Larry’s loyalty and meticulous work ethic allowed him to rise to assistant manager at Hy-Vee, a position he held for several years. He typified the company slogan, “A helpful smile in every aisle.” Larry was also a loyal sports fan, especially following the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He enjoyed watching football on TV and was devoted to the Putnam County Midgets athletic teams, rarely missing a football game. Larry was an avid collector of Elvis memorabilia. In retirement he could often be found every morning reading newspapers at the Putnam County library, drinking coffee at local diners, or just driving around in the town that he loved. Larry also enjoyed playing pool.

In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by two daughters, Robin (Doug) Hirst of Unionville, MO, and Kim (Bob) Harris of Jacksonville, MO. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Whitney Hirst and Bryan Harris; a great granddaughter, Schylar Hirst; his sister, Pat Kelley of Sherman, TX; and two nieces, Pam Pulliam and Lisa Capps.

Larry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jim Kelley.

Funeral services for Larry Davis will be held at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 22, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials for Larry are suggested to the Putnam County Library or the Putnam County Care Center activities fund and may be entrusted to Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.