Charles "Bud" Davis

Charles Wayne “Bud” Davis, born on November 29, 1939, in Silva, Missouri and passed away on October 16, 2024, at St Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Bud was the second of six children born to Willie Albert Davis and Mary Paulina Page. He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and remained a devout Christian throughout his life, consistently attending church and always giving thanks for his many blessings.

Bud attended Greenville High School, graduating in 1958. This is where he met his first love, Delores Libla. The two married on September 5, 1959, sharing a beautiful life together until her passing in January 1998. From this union, Bud was blessed with two children, Cindy (Derwin) Wood of Greenville and Gregory (Paula) Davis of Desoto. His legacy extends to his two grandsons, Adam (Alexis Whitworth) Davis of Puxico and Zach (Kristine) Davis of Desoto, as well as his two beloved great grandchildren Grant and Miah Davis of Desoto. 

Bud had a long and successful career in the trucking industry, working as a branch manager for ABF, which he liked to refer to as “Arkansas Bull Frog”. He began his career at the St Louis office and ended at Cape Girardeau. After retiring in 1999, Bud traded in his white dress shirts for a more relaxed life, filled with hobbies and hunting and fishing adventures. 

In February 2000, Bud found love again and married Shelba, who had also lost a spouse. Together, they traveled, shared families, and made many happy memories. Shelba passed away alongside Bud on the same day, united in love even in their final moments. 

Through his marriage to Shelba, Bud’s family expanded greatly. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Debbie Teruggi of Ft Myers, Florida, Donna (Greg) Shaver of Jackson, and Judy (Keith) Perry of Farmington. He was blessed with seven step-grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Bud was proceeded in death by his stepson, Terry Tullock. 

Bud also leaves behind his sister in-law, Juanita Davis of Coldwater, siblings Raymond (Marilyn) Davis of Imperial, Ed (Carol) Davis, Mary Edwards, and David (Kathy) Davis all of Silva as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family. His older brother, James Davis preceded him in death. 

An avid outdoorsman, Bud cherished time spent with family, hunting, fishing, eating and telling stories.  He liked to check in on all his favorite people and would call family members almost daily. His calls usually started with the phrase “fire in the hole” and were appreciated, especially if he waited to call after 7am. 

Bud had a special fondness for hunting and proudly kept count of the number of deer and turkeys he harvested over the years. Bud also had a reputation for shooting over 80 coyotes out of his dining room window. Some while Shelba was trying to sleep! He raised Brittany spaniels in his younger days and cherished pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota. One of Bud’s favorite destinations was Colorado, where he created countless memories and home videos which he loved to share with family, friends, and anyone that he could convince to watch. In regards to the Colorado trips, Bud would often say “It don’t get no better than this” which brought him much joy. 

Bud’s claim to fame happened on one of these Colorado trips in which he, and the guys were interviewed and appeared in the magazine Outdoors New Mexico & Tales from the far bank. That adventure, like so many others, became part of his cherished legacy. Bud’s son-in-law, Derwin Wood, has inherited the many videos and will be glad to show them to anyone interested. 

Bud was a man of deep faith, often leading the family in prayer and always thanking God for his family and the many blessings in life.  His love for his family, his humor, and his chuckle will be dearly missed.  

Visitation was held from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service followed at 1:00 pm, also in Greenville Chapel. Pastor Aaron Campbell ministered to the family. Ben Barbour, Austin Pasternak, Andrew Pasternak, Will Davis, Travis Davis, Adam Davis, Zach Davis, and Jeff Tackett served as pallbearers. Burial was in Greenville City Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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