Max C. Davis

  After a truly remarkable life in service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Reverend Max C. Davis was called home to his eternal reward on Friday, February 28, 2025. 

  Max Cage Davis was born in Altus, Oklahoma, on June 29, 1936, to Emma Virginia Cage Davis and Orval Smith Davis. He was an adventurous middle child and their only son, and he embarked on an exuberant pursuit of all the joy he could wring from life. Convinced as a preschooler that he could fly, he tied a blanket around his neck and climbed to the top of the refrigerator before flinging himself off. He claimed as fact for his entire life that he absolutely did fly for a moment - before hitting the floor. 

  As a young man working at the Wichita Falls Times Record News, he heard about a pretty young lady who worked at the diner across the street, so he went over to introduce himself. He approached her directly. With a beguiling charm that would eventually become a signature trait, he looked into her eyes and said, “Hello. My name is Max Davis, and you and I are going to be married.” The fact that he didn’t know her name or that she was engaged to someone else at the time didn’t faze him one bit. And on June 23, 1961, Max Davis and Joy LaRue Arick were married. 

  Joy’s father Walter Arick was an ordained Baptist minister, and he immediately made Max his special project. When Max walked the aisle and gave his life to Jesus Christ, Walter was delighted to baptize him. Max always said Walter held him under until the bubbles almost stopped. 

  Beyond that, though, Max had undergone a profound spiritual transformation. He prayed earnestly for God to reveal to him the deepest truths of His Word. Max was a diligent student, delving into passages of Scripture that would bewilder most people. His keen mind found connections between prophecies and fulfillment of prophecies, and it encouraged him to press even further. After being ordained into the ministry by Walter, the two of them led a small church together for many years. Max became an associate pastor at Western Hills Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. Eventually Max became an evangelist, sharing those truths on a local cable show called “The Old Time Gospel Hour”. That exposure led to his being invited to churches to lead tent revivals and evangelism crusades all over north Texas for many years. Churches around the area would invite Max to preach even well into his seventies. He authored several books on spiritual subjects ranging from vital roles of women in the Bible to angels, and was always eager to share his insights with younger pastors to advance their understanding of God’s Word. 

  At the age of fifty, and with the encouragement of a constable friend, Max enrolled in the Wichita Falls Police Department academy. He completed his training and was certified as a peace officer for the State of Texas. He was their chaplain, their spiritual guide, and their friend for many years. His badge was retired from the constable’s office and he retired as a Deputy Constable for Wichita Falls. 

  Max is survived by his son, Russ Davis and wife, Tammy of Fort Worth; daughter, Jill Davis and husband, Jackie Townsley of Azle; grandchildren, Jessica Davis and Zach Davis of Fort Worth; nephew, Craig Ferrara and wife, Brandy of Peaster; great-nieces, Isabel Ferrara and Ava Ferrara; and great-nephew, Christian Ferrara of Peaster. 

  He was predeceased by his parents; his beautiful wife, Joy on March 5, 2019; his younger sister, Virginia on April 27, 2008; and his elder sister, Donna on February 15, 2025. 

  Max was an enthusiastic and ebullient member of Walnut Creek Baptist Church in Azle, generously exchanging hugs and contributing “amens” with equal love. 

  Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 North Elm St, in Weatherford. Max’s funeral service and celebration of life will be Friday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m., at the chapel. Pastor Shane Scott of Walnut Creek Baptist Church and Max’s dear friend, Brother Simon Flores Rangel of First Mexican Baptist Church of Wichita Falls will officiate. Interment will follow at the family plot at Peaster Cemetery. 

  While he will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him, we do not grieve like those who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 

“MX SAY.”