Glenn Harold Davis

Glenn Harold Davis of Fruitland, Idaho, passed away peacefully of natural causes the evening of November 16, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family.

Glenn lived a beautifully full life of 96 years. He was born May 18, 1925 in the town of Macdoel, California, to William Ernest and Crystal Chloe Davis (née Hansen). He was the seventh of nine children, and the final surviving member of his siblings. He spent his childhood in the Shasta Valley, growing up in the small farming community of Grenada, Siskiyou County, California.

Glenn met the love of his life, Dorothie Lorena Phelps, while attending Yreka High School. Their 5-year courtship continued through letters--now family heirlooms--exchanged across the Pacific during World War II. Glenn served his country in the United States Navy on an LCM amphibious boat. When he returned from the war, Glenn married his high school sweetheart on May 3, 1946. Their relationship in this life totaled 74 years, and he deeply loved and ardently cherished Dorothie (his “angel”).

Together, Glenn and Dorothie attended college where they received degrees in early childhood education--he was the first in his family to receive a college degree. Glenn went on to have a successful career as a teacher and superintendent in the Toyon School District in Summit City, California. He was a favorite among the students because of his kind smile and genuine love for those he served. Plus, he often joined the children for games like jump rope and hopscotch.

Glenn was a skilled athlete who played collegiate football and pitched for the San Jose State baseball team. He followed sports his entire life and was a major San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan.

Glenn and Dorothie were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He actively served as a bishop and in many other callings. Glenn’s faith in their temple covenants and hope of being reunited with Dorothie for time and all eternity in the next life brought him much comfort after she passed away in 2015.

Glenn and Dorothie had 5 children, to whom they were very devoted. Glenn was a tender, intuitive, and nurturing father, often described as “world-class” and “the best dad ever.” They raised their children in Shasta County, California, and were active, admired members of their community.

After Glenn retired from teaching, he invested in 100 acres of timberland in Manton, California. He harvested the lumber to sell, but also to build many precious family heirlooms from the majestic trees. Many of his children and grandchildren are the recipients of the bookcases, dry sinks, hope chests, dish hutches, decorative shelves, and tables crafted by his hands.

Glenn and Dorothie moved to Fruitland, Idaho in 2000 where they spent their golden years with many of their children and grandchildren. Glenn could always be spotted in the crowd of the sporting events his grandchildren took part in, rain or shine, and became well-known as a dedicated fan of all the athletes in the Fruitland community.

Glenn taught his whole family to work hard, but more importantly, to find joy in every experience. He modeled scholarship and curiosity his entire life and could often be found looking something up in his set of encyclopedias. Glenn’s family will especially miss his quick wit, clever jokes, and amazing musical talents. Many happy hours were spent singing along to the chords of Grandpa’s guitar and listening to him tell captivating stories from his life.

Many who knew Glenn will agree that his compassion and generosity toward his fellow man are unparalleled. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community, for it is rare to find a person as genuinely happy, kind, considerate, loyal, and true as he was.

Glenn is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothie, and his son, Donald Gary Davis of Elk Grove, California.

Glenn is survived by his children Glenn E. Davis, Becky Davis, and Kelly Dayley of Fruitland, Idaho, and Greg Davis of Spokane, Washington. He is survived as well by his 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren (with 1 more on the way), 3 great-great-grandchildren, and by his adored dogs, Lelle and Tyke.

Glenn’s family will hold a service in his honor in the Fruitland LDS Chapel at 325 Pennsylvania Avenue, on November 27, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest next to his eternal companion in the Evergreen Cemetery in Yreka, Siskiyou County, California, on December 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario, Oregon.

Glenn had a very successful Memorial Live Stream where all family was able to see and participate remotely.