Dr. Augustine L. “Dave” Davis III, age 90 of Inverness, FL, passed away November 9, 2023 at Vitas Hospice in Lecanto. He was born on February 6, 1933 in Huntington, WV to the late Augustine and Billie (Burton) Davis. Upon graduation from high school, Dave joined the US Air Force and participated in the Korean War as a teletype operator. He said that “he wasn’t likely to get shot there with the Generals in Tokyo.” When he returned from the war, he earned a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia. He started his career for the US Department of Agriculture in Virginia and then moved with his family to Florida where he has lived for the past 58 years. Along with his wife, Betty, they were instrumental in getting the Rails to Trails started in Inverness. They organized and ran the annual bike ride along the trail for many years. For his 80th birthday, Dave rode 80 miles on his bike. Dave’s other love was the theme parks. He always told the grandkids that he owned the keys to Disney, and he had season passes to the parks and attended often. His other great passion was college football. The family spent many Saturdays cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. He loved when the Dawgs won the Georgia/Florida game, so the local gator fans wouldn’t give him a hard time! He loved games of all kinds but especially Monopoly which they played by special rules to keep game time shorter than normal. Cycling was always a big part of Dave and Betty’s life. They participated in many statewide bike rides throughout the years. They also took a bicycle tour around New Zealand, after they retired. They both said it was the best vacation they ever took. They also got the “cruise bug” and enjoyed many cruises throughout the Caribbean and Alaska. Dave is survived by his wife, Betty, his sons: David and Paul; grandchildren: Kristen, Tom and Danielle and six great grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness on Friday, November 17th at 10:30 A.M. with The Rev. Lou Ellen Hartley officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Florida National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:30 AM until the service begins . The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home of Inverness assisted the family.
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