Richard Byron Davis, 68, of Danbury, Texas, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026.

Richard was born November 18, 1957, in Freeport, Texas, to George and Betty Davis. He grew up a proud Angleton Wildcat, playing football during high school. He was also a member of the 1973 Purple Pride Band that had the honor of marching in the Rose Bowl Parade. Richard graduated from Angleton High School in 1976.

In November 1977, Richard married the love of his life, Nancy. Together, they built a life and family that would remain the center of his world for the next 48 years. They welcomed their oldest daughter, Stacy, in 1980 and their youngest, Lindsey, in 1983, eventually making their home in Danbury.

Richard spent 20 years working for Dow Chemical in various leadership roles before retiring in 1996. Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. He filled his time coaching softball, spending time with his family, and, for a while, living his best life selling tractors at D.E.R. alongside his friends.

Richard later made the decision to return to college, earning his degree and becoming a licensed funeral director. He officially joined the staff of Palms Funeral Home, the family business owned and operated by the Matheson/Davis family. His work there allowed him to continue doing something that came naturally to him—helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

In 2010, Richard ran for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2. He was elected and took office on January 1, 2011, beginning more than 15 years of service to the people of Brazoria County.

Public service extended far beyond Richard’s elected office. Throughout the years, he served his community in numerous capacities, including as a member and president of the Danbury Girls Softball Association; Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps; President of the Danbury Rotary Club; and President of the Board of Directors for the Brazoria County Women’s Center.

Although Richard spent many years serving others, the roles he treasured most were those that came without a title: husband to Nancy, Dad to his girls, and PawPaw to his three grandchildren, Zachary, Zoe, and Avery Grace.

Richard began coaching softball when Stacy was five years old and became a prominent figure in the dugout and along the sidelines of Danbury softball for many years. In the mid-1990s, Richard, Nancy, and the girls split their time between softball fields and their cattle ranch in Fairfield. Richard loved having his family together at Crescent D Ranch, where he taught his girls how to bale hay, drive tractors, work cattle, and appreciate ranch life.

Richard was beyond excited when he learned he was getting a grandson, and he treasured the time he spent teaching Zachary to hunt. Getting his boy was a gift, but there was no bond, quite like the one PawPaw shared with his granddaughters, Zoe and Avery Grace. His grandchildren quickly became some of the greatest joys of his life.

Whether it was football, baseball, dance, cheer, or swim, PawPaw was always in the stands.

Richard and Nancy also loved sneaking away to their “happy place” on the Frio River, where they could enjoy the peace and quiet and spend summer days surrounded by their girls, grandchildren, and extended family.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of service, family, hard work, laughter, Astros baseball, and showing up for the people he loved. His life touched countless people throughout Brazoria County, but those who knew him best will remember that no matter how many titles he held or how many people he served, his greatest pride was always his family.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy; daughters, Stacy Davis White and husband Mike, and Lindsey Smith and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Zachary White, Zoe White, and Avery Grace Smith; siblings, L’Ella Ramirez, Nancy Jones, Lisa Solis, Tim Collette, Christopher Collette, and Anita Collette; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tommy and Stacey Matheson; Jimmy Matheson, Sheri & John Davis and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty Davis; his brother, Paul Davis; and his in-laws, Cortez and Billie Matheson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Life Foursquare Church. Burial to follow in Danbury Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lupe Valdez, Willie Howell, Tom Selleck, Tommy Matheson, Raymond Montoya, Mark Mager.

Honorary Pallbearers will be The Brazoria County Justices of the Peace.