Winford Gene Davis of Excelsior Springs died April 21, 2021, at his home of complications of prostate cancer at age 88, one day before his birthday.

He was born April 22, 1932, in Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Davis of Winwood; mother, Dorothy Evans Hill; and stepfather, William J. Hill of Kearney.

Gene grew up in Winwood and graduated in 1950 from North Kansas City High School. He worked for Bill Allen Chevrolet in North Kansas City before joining the U.S. Navy in 1952. He served in California, Texas and Japan, and served a tour aboard the USS Hornet during the Korean War.

In 1957, Gene moved to Excelsior Springs to begin employment at Ken Myers Chevrolet-Buick, where for the next 30 years, he was the top salesman, retiring in 1987. He then worked part time for Westfall O’Dell Motors in Excelsior Springs as a dealer trade driver for 25 years before completely retiring in 2014 at age 80.

On May 22, 1960, Gene married Gailya A. Siegel o Excelsior Springs. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Todd Davis of Excelsior Springs and Ray (and wife Rashelle) Davis of Liberty; two granddaughters, Casey (and husband Louis) Vanderlinden of Excelsior Springs and Presley Davis of Liberty. Still other survivors include one brother, Joe R. Davis of Kansas City; and several nieces and nephews.

Gene had a great passion for antique/classic cars and pickup trucks, particularly Chevrolets. He also enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels and other diecast model cars and trucks, and enjoyed building model car kits. He was a proud veteran, loved his country and the U.S. flag, and attended church regularly.

Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 26, at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Funeral services took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 27 also at Bross and Spidle, followed by graveside services with military honors at the North New Garden Church Cemetery, O Highway in Ray County.