Gary Ray Davis, born February 6, 1942, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 27, 2026. Gary was born in Payson, Utah, to Chester and LuWana Davis, whose entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic shaped his life. As the owners of the iconic mid-century Best Western Columbian Motel located in Provo, they instilled in him the values of perseverance, service, and hard work that would define his life. Mechanically gifted from an early age, Gary graduated from Provo High School with the Class of 1960 before earning a degree in Electrical Technology and Instrumentation from Central Utah Vocational School in 1963. Gary proudly served for 27 years in the Utah National Guard as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In 1966, he successfully completed the demanding U.S. Army Infantry School Airborne Course, commonly known as "Jump School," at Fort Bragg, earning his parachutist wings. As a Green Beret, he specialized in both heavy and light weaponry, serving with honor and forming lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers. A lifelong businessman, Gary was a respected member of the Provo business community for nearly five decades. He retired in the summer of 2025 at the young age of 83, though he never truly stopped working. In 1977, he founded Freeway Car Wash on what was then farmland in south Provo. As the area grew into what is now the entrance to Provo Towne Centre in East Bay, Gary expanded his ventures by purchasing a Chevron service station and building a Phillips 66 station across the street. He later entered the convenience store business, working side by side with his beloved son, Bryant, for more than 30 years. Gary will be remembered for his resilience, quick wit, playful teasing, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. True to his character as a soldier, he never quit when faced with adversity. He never turned away anyone in need, whether it meant changing a tire, repairing something broken, offering practical advice, or simply showing up when someone needed help. At 84, Gary remained young at heart. He was larger than life—a true character. He treasured his close circle of friends and faithfully enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings, where the conversation and camaraderie mattered just as much as the coffee itself. (Though, for Gary, it was always black—"no cream, no sugar.") Gary is joyfully reunited with his beloved son, Bryant C. Davis (1969–2024). He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen Davis; his devoted daughter, Courtney Rae Davis; his sister, Joan Davis Barnhart; his brother, Darrell W. Davis; and two children from an earlier marriage. Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, strength, humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.bergmortuary.com
Show your love and support to Gary's family by adding your name to Gary's Guest Book.
Gary Ray Davis, born February 6, 1942, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 27, 2026. Gary was born in Payson, Utah, to Chester and LuWana Davis, whose entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic shaped his life. As the owners of the iconic mid-century Best Western Columbian Motel located in Provo, they instilled in him the values of perseverance, service, and hard work that would define his life. Mechanically gifted from an early age, Gary graduated from Provo High School with the Class of 1960 before earning a degree in Electrical Technology and Instrumentation from Central Utah Vocational School in 1963. Gary proudly served for 27 years in the Utah National Guard as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In 1966, he successfully completed the demanding U.S. Army Infantry School Airborne Course, commonly known as "Jump School," at Fort Bragg, earning his parachutist wings. As a Green Beret, he specialized in both heavy and light weaponry, serving with honor and forming lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers. A lifelong businessman, Gary was a respected member of the Provo business community for nearly five decades. He retired in the summer of 2025 at the young age of 83, though he never truly stopped working. In 1977, he founded Freeway Car Wash on what was then farmland in south Provo. As the area grew into what is now the entrance to Provo Towne Centre in East Bay, Gary expanded his ventures by purchasing a Chevron service station and building a Phillips 66 station across the street. He later entered the convenience store business, working side by side with his beloved son, Bryant, for more than 30 years. Gary will be remembered for his resilience, quick wit, playful teasing, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. True to his character as a soldier, he never quit when faced with adversity. He never turned away anyone in need, whether it meant changing a tire, repairing something broken, offering practical advice, or simply showing up when someone needed help. At 84, Gary remained young at heart. He was larger than life—a true character. He treasured his close circle of friends and faithfully enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings, where the conversation and camaraderie mattered just as much as the coffee itself. (Though, for Gary, it was always black—"no cream, no sugar.") Gary is joyfully reunited with his beloved son, Bryant C. Davis (1969–2024). He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen Davis; his devoted daughter, Courtney Rae Davis; his sister, Joan Davis Barnhart; his brother, Darrell W. Davis; and two children from an earlier marriage. Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, strength, humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.bergmortuary.com
Show your love and support to Gary's family by adding your name to Gary's Guest Book.
Robert Y Valentine
Gary Ray Davis, born February 6, 1942, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 27, 2026. Gary was born in Payson, Utah, to Chester and LuWana Davis, whose entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic shaped his life. As the owners of the iconic mid-century Best Western Columbian Motel located in Provo, they instilled in him the values of perseverance, service, and hard work that would define his life. Mechanically gifted from an early age, Gary graduated from Provo High School with the Class of 1960 before earning a degree in Electrical Technology and Instrumentation from Central Utah Vocational School in 1963. Gary proudly served for 27 years in the Utah National Guard as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In 1966, he successfully completed the demanding U.S. Army Infantry School Airborne Course, commonly known as "Jump School," at Fort Bragg, earning his parachutist wings. As a Green Beret, he specialized in both heavy and light weaponry, serving with honor and forming lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers. A lifelong businessman, Gary was a respected member of the Provo business community for nearly five decades. He retired in the summer of 2025 at the young age of 83, though he never truly stopped working. In 1977, he founded Freeway Car Wash on what was then farmland in south Provo. As the area grew into what is now the entrance to Provo Towne Centre in East Bay, Gary expanded his ventures by purchasing a Chevron service station and building a Phillips 66 station across the street. He later entered the convenience store business, working side by side with his beloved son, Bryant, for more than 30 years. Gary will be remembered for his resilience, quick wit, playful teasing, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. True to his character as a soldier, he never quit when faced with adversity. He never turned away anyone in need, whether it meant changing a tire, repairing something broken, offering practical advice, or simply showing up when someone needed help. At 84, Gary remained young at heart. He was larger than life—a true character. He treasured his close circle of friends and faithfully enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings, where the conversation and camaraderie mattered just as much as the coffee itself. (Though, for Gary, it was always black—"no cream, no sugar.") Gary is joyfully reunited with his beloved son, Bryant C. Davis (1969–2024). He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen Davis; his devoted daughter, Courtney Rae Davis; his sister, Joan Davis Barnhart; his brother, Darrell W. Davis; and two children from an earlier marriage. Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, strength, humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.bergmortuary.com
Show your love and support to Gary's family by adding your name to Gary's Guest Book.
Robert Y Valentine
Gary Ray Davis, born February 6, 1942, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 27, 2026. Gary was born in Payson, Utah, to Chester and LuWana Davis, whose entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic shaped his life. As the owners of the iconic mid-century Best Western Columbian Motel located in Provo, they instilled in him the values of perseverance, service, and hard work that would define his life. Mechanically gifted from an early age, Gary graduated from Provo High School with the Class of 1960 before earning a degree in Electrical Technology and Instrumentation from Central Utah Vocational School in 1963. Gary proudly served for 27 years in the Utah National Guard as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). In 1966, he successfully completed the demanding U.S. Army Infantry School Airborne Course, commonly known as "Jump School," at Fort Bragg, earning his parachutist wings. As a Green Beret, he specialized in both heavy and light weaponry, serving with honor and forming lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers. A lifelong businessman, Gary was a respected member of the Provo business community for nearly five decades. He retired in the summer of 2025 at the young age of 83, though he never truly stopped working. In 1977, he founded Freeway Car Wash on what was then farmland in south Provo. As the area grew into what is now the entrance to Provo Towne Centre in East Bay, Gary expanded his ventures by purchasing a Chevron service station and building a Phillips 66 station across the street. He later entered the convenience store business, working side by side with his beloved son, Bryant, for more than 30 years. Gary will be remembered for his resilience, quick wit, playful teasing, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything. True to his character as a soldier, he never quit when faced with adversity. He never turned away anyone in need, whether it meant changing a tire, repairing something broken, offering practical advice, or simply showing up when someone needed help. At 84, Gary remained young at heart. He was larger than life—a true character. He treasured his close circle of friends and faithfully enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings, where the conversation and camaraderie mattered just as much as the coffee itself. (Though, for Gary, it was always black—"no cream, no sugar.") Gary is joyfully reunited with his beloved son, Bryant C. Davis (1969–2024). He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Karen Davis; his devoted daughter, Courtney Rae Davis; his sister, Joan Davis Barnhart; his brother, Darrell W. Davis; and two children from an earlier marriage. Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, strength, humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.bergmortuary.com
Show your love and support to Gary's family by adding your name to Gary's Guest Book.