Benny Winfred Davis

SANTA FE - Benny Winfred Davis, 77, resident of Santa Fe, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 3, 2024, after several weeks under hospice care after a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Benny was born in Jasper, TX on January 13, 1947, to Sydney and Virgie (Weaver) Davis. Benny grew up in Lumberton, Texas, and graduated from Silsbee High School. He dedicated his life to public service, first as a Texas state trooper and later as a police officer for the City of Santa Fe. Benny’s skilled craftsmanship led him to build and remodel homes before becoming the Building Official for the City of Santa Fe, where he served for 32 years until retirement.

Benny was a man of many passions. He found joy in gardening, grilling, deer hunting, and playing poker with his friends. His love for music shone through his guitar playing and singing. An avid sports enthusiast, Benny cheered for the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys, often discussing games with his son in Virginia. He also enjoyed cooking for others which led to the operation of the Old Santa Fe Bar-B-Que house where he served lunch, dinner, and catering for special functions.

Above all, Benny cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and PawPaw who took immense pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Benny taught the kids to snow ski, was their sports coach, and drove the get-away car for teenage house wrappings. Benny loved to laugh, and his infectious laughter, endless supply of jokes, and unwavering support made him the heart of his family and a beloved friend to many.

Benny is survived by his wife, Janet (Matejka) Davis, of 38 years; his children, Benny C. Davis (Jee), Kimberlee Key (Gary), and Brittany Hanks (Matt); grandchildren, Han Davis, Madalynn Hanks, Kaylee Key, and Preston Hanks; brother, Kenneth Davis (Isabel); sister-in-law, Shelly Matejka; brother-in-law, Doug Matejka; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dorothy and Tommy Matejka; nephews, Kelly Davis (Boris), Tyler Matejka (Ashlee), Colton Matejka (Rachel); niece, Lisa Graham (Terry); and numerous extended family and great friends.

Benny is preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and Virgie (Weaver) Davis; brother, James Larry Davis; sister, Nelda Joyce Davis, and other extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Choice Hospice Care Team in Texas City, Texas, specifically Stacey Hoffman, Adele Cyr, Dana Hebert, Nicole Acton, and Daniel Miller, for their compassionate care and support during Benny’s final weeks. They are true angels among us!

Benny’s warm heart, kind spirit, and zest for life will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Pastor Brad Drake officiating.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501.

The family asks that visitation and funeral attire be Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, or your favorite sports team, rather than formal wear.

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