Rex Stuart Davis

October 31, 1931-October 10, 2023

Rex passed peacefully October 10, 2023 surrounded by family at home.

Rex Davis was born on October 31, 1931 in Larkspur, Colorado to George and Arlee Stuart Davis. He lived there until eighth grade and then moved with his parents and brother, Jimmy to Richland, Washington where his father worked on the Hanford Project.

Rex graduated from Richland High School in 1949. His interests were gymnastics and football. After graduation, he enrolled at Washington State University (WSC at the time). From 1949-1953, Rex was a student athlete who earned three letters in gymnastics and was a member of the Cheer Squad.

While in college, Rex attended Simpson United Methodist Church and met Alice Mae Riley in 1950. He noticed her as she sang in the choir and Rex said it was love at first sight. After that, they began dating. Church, music, and dancing became integral parts of their lives. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Rex and Alice married on July 11, 1953 in Walla Walla, Washington. They remained faithfully wed for 70 years until his death.

Prior to Rex being called to serve in US Army, Korean War, they moved to Bridgeport, Washington, then Walla Walla for a brief time. While serving, Private Rex Davis, Special Services, learned to play tennis from Grant Golden in Seoul, Korea. He was given the title of Physical Activities Specialist and transferred to Camp Zama, Japan. He introduced and instructed military personal and their families along with army civilians, the game of tennis. Because of this opportunity, Rex spent his life coaching, teaching, and playing tennis.

After his two years of service overseas in the Army (1953-1955), Rex and Alice made a home in Richland, his hometown. He taught elementary PE classes, as well as coached boys' and girls' tennis and gymnastics at his high school alma mater.

In 1962, while teaching and coaching, Rex received a Master's in Education from WSU.

In August of 1966, Rex was offered a position at Washington State University (WSU) teaching Physical Education classes along with courses for PE majors and Elementary Education teachers. Rex and Alice returned to Pullman. In addition to teaching, he became the gymnastics coach from 1966-68 as well as tennis coach from 1967-1994. His career in both sports included coaching men and women. Rex was quoted as saying, "My philosophy of coaching was to try to bring out the best in an athlete.  Their athletic performance was important, but just as vital was their attitude as a human being and their concentration on academic excellence."  While teaching and coaching, Rex received a Doctorate of Education at the University of Idaho in 1982.

Rex retired in 1994 from WSU. He and Alice began traveling along with visiting family and friends. You could also see him playing tennis with friends, helping coach PHS high school tennis teams, or hitting tennis balls with his family.

After his career at WSU, Rex received deserving honors and awards. He earned a Gray W letter in gymnastics and later was on the board. In 1995, the Center Court at WSU outdoor tennis facility was named in his honor. Soon after, he was given the Alumni Achievement Award for 50 years of service. In 2007, Rex became an honorary member of the Legacy of Women Athletes, WSU. After his career at WSU, Rex received Wall of Fame award, Class of 2004 at Richland High School for Boys' and Girls' Tennis and Gymnastics coach. Later, he was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame, Class of 2015 for Tennis and gymnastics coaching. He had the highest graduation rate of any team in the school's history.

In the Pullman community, Rex shared his positive outlook on life and had a servant's heart. He volunteered at Simpson United Methodist church in many roles alongside his wife, Alice, served Meals on Wheels, and was a committee member of Circles of Caring. He volunteered for "Adopt A County Road" along a section of Johnson Road. He was ready at a moment's notice to lend a hand to others.

The memories of Rex and his legacy in the art of listening, work ethic, quiet strength, determination, and kindness will sorely be missed.

Rex is survived by his wife, Alice, daughter Vicky (Noel Elliott), daughter Cathy (Tim Healy), son Gary (Karen Garrett), daughter Penny (David Woodruff). He leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents, George and Arlee Davis; brother Jimmy Davis; and son, Larry.

The family will greet friends at a visitation on Tuesday, Oct. 17th from 3-6 pm at Corbeill Funeral Home in Pullman, WA.  The memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 1 PM at Simpson United Methodist Church in Pullman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Simpson United Methodist Church Memorials, Pullman, Washington or a charity of your choice. Corbeill Funeral Home in Pullman is caring for the family.