David Davis passed from this life on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN. He was 76. He was born July 9, 1949, in Mena, Arkansas, the third son of Richard Eustice and Dora Faye (Elem) Davis. He graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1967 from Hatfield High School. He chose veterinary medicine as his career path and attended the University of Arkansas that fall. He transferred to Oklahoma State University, earning his bachelors degree in Pre-Vet in 1971 and his DVM in 1974.

He married Cindy LuJuan Townsend August 28, 1976 in Mena, Arkansas, where they lived and where their first son, Dustin, was born. In 1978, he began working for Eli Lilly & Co. in Memphis, TN, and then in Greenfield, IN, in 1979; retiring in 2004.Their daughter, Devon, was born in 1980, and son Ethen was born in 1984. During his career David travelled to six continents with his work, doing field research, tech support and teaching. His career culminated in knowing he helped “feed the world in the safest, most economical way” and mentoring younger employees. The year before his retirement, David began what he thought was his greatest role: grandfather. He chose the name “Big Daddy” which was how he referred to himself for his remaining years with grandchildren, Hannah, Joseph, Danny, Josh, Sam, and Simeon. They were truly his greatest joy and he was incredibly proud of each of them. He relished spoiling them all. 

David became a Christian in a Baptist vacation bible school in the late 1950’s and his faith became foundational to his character. As an adult, he was a Sunday school teacher and deacon and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church at his passing. When recently asked what he wanted to be remembered for, he cited his honesty as the hallmark of his legacy. 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cindy; children Dustin (Jackie) Davis, New Palestine, IN; Devon (Billy) McGill, Albuquerque, NM; Ethan (Gayle) Davis, Knightstown, IN; Jason Woodburn, Indianapolis, IN; siblings Tom (Becky) Davis, McDonough, GA; Danny (Vicki) Davis, Hatfield, AR; and Linda (Bobby) Bridges, Imboden, AR; grandchildren Hannah and Joseph Woodburn; Danny and Josh Davis; Sam and Simeon Davis; many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Don Davis.

Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenfield, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 doors will open at 1:00PM EDT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Hancock County Food Pantry Endowment Fund in memory of David Davis. Gifts may be mailed to the Community Foundation of Hancock County, 971 W. US 40, Greenfield, IN 46140 or made online at Hancock Donate Envelopes will be available at the church.