Athens - William Fred Davies (affectionally called Pappy by his grandchildren) entered his heavenly home on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at Countryside Senior Living Center in Athens, TX. He was born on December 5, 1926, in Dallas, TX. A memorial service celebrating his life and bearing witness to the resurrection will be held in the chapel of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX, on Friday, March 20 at 10:00 am with Reverend Mark Brainerd officiating. A reception will follow in the church atrium ending at 12 noon. The inurnment will be held at 12:30 pm at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 4118 Samuel Blvd, Dallas, TX.

Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann Worthington Davies, and his loving parents. Loved ones surviving Fred are daughter Andrea York (Bobby), son Will Davies (BJ), daughter Renee Sloan (Alan), and daughter Lynette Solomon (John Mark). Pappy is also survived by nine loving grandchildren: Lee York (Carrie), Katie Mireles (Dustin), Derek Davies, Mollie Davies, Danielle Engen (Michael), Rachael Biehunko (Jack), Nicole Liccioni (Mitch), Luke Solomon (Paige) and Kay Durkee (Matt) and six (6) great grandchildren: Hayden York, Lane Mireles, Jackson Mireles, Olivia Engen, Madeline Engen and Jack Alan Biehunko.

Fred graduated from N. R. Crozier Technical High School, Dallas, TX in 1944 and proudly served as a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1946. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Business Administration/Personnel in 1949 and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Fred married the love of his life Ann Worthington on June 25, 1954, and together they celebrated 67 years of marriage. After working for the Texas Employment Commission, he held personnel positions at Pollock Paper Company, National Data Processing and Recognition Equipment. Fred and Ann opened their own temporary help business, Availability Personnel Services, in 1967 where Fred worked until his retirement in 1991. Fred was also a long-time member of the Dallas Business Association where he was always glad to make new connections and friends in the business community. Fred felt he was blessed beyond measure, so he was a strong advocate for The Salvation Army and their mission to support the less fortunate.

Fred was raised in the Baptist Church and became a Presbyterian as a newlywed. Fred was a dedicated member and active in the church choir along with his wife Ann at First Presbyterian Church. After moving their church membership to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Fred and Ann both joined the church choir and Fred also served again as a teacher, member of the Stephen Ministry and Elder.

Fred fell in love with tennis at a young age and was ranked 2nd in the Men's Singles 70s and above level until the age of 79. Fred maintained a legendary passion for tennis and jogging for decades. After retiring, Fred enjoyed working with young tennis players in Dallas and taught beginning tennis to 3rd through 6th graders in Athens, TX.

Fred enjoyed retirement at the South Forty Ranch, a multi-generational family farm located in Trumbull, TX where he and Ann raised longhorns. He enjoyed holidays with family, boating on the weekends at Lake Hawkins with his long time Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church friends and attending numerous grandchildren events. Fred and Ann traveled extensively as both of them enjoyed visiting the "road less traveled" sights and appreciating God's beautiful creations all over the U.S.

Fred had a great sense of humor and always had a positive attitude. His never-ending love of God, country and family, his example of living with integrity and honesty, and his ability to make his family and friends feel seen and adored will be missed by all who knew him.

The family is especially grateful to our precious caregiver and family friend Patty B, our hospice nurse Rayne Barfield and the staff at Countryside Senior Living Center of Athens for their exceptional attentiveness and compassion to Pappy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, the USTA Foundation benefiting under-resourced communities or a charity of your choice.