Gary William Davis, born December 5, 1944, in Lead, South Dakota, passed away on September 11, 2026. The only child of William John Davis and Velma Mae Summers, Gary spent most of his life in South Dakota, with a few early years in Savannah, Georgia, while his father served in the U.S. Air Force.

He began school in Savannah before the family returned to South Dakota when his father was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The family settled in Rapid City, where he continued his education. Gary often shared fond memories and stories from the years he spent in Georgia, a special chapter of his childhood that stayed with him throughout his life.

As a child, Gary spent countless hours exploring the outdoors, beginning an appreciation for nature and the open spaces of South Dakota that would stay with him throughout his life.

He initially attended school in Rapid City before transferring to the newly opened Douglas School District. Gary became part of Douglas history in more ways than one: he scored the first touchdown for the Douglas Patriots football team and was a member of the very first graduating class of Douglas High School.

Following high school, Gary attended Black Hills State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. After college, he returned to Douglas, this time as a science teacher, beginning his career in the same school district where he had once been a student.

Gary eventually left teaching and began working at Seeley’s Men’s Wear. During this time, he also earned his real estate license and went on to work for Flack Hoffman Real Estate Agency, beginning a new chapter in his professional life.

During these years, Gary married Karen Coats, and together they welcomed four children: Cole, Casey, Colby and Stacy.

He eventually left real estate for an opportunity to work with his son Casey on a new business venture. They opened Honackers, a deli whose name came from a term Gary’s father often used when he was growing up. There, Gary also put his homemade mustard to good use, selling it as part of the business. His mustard became well known among customers and friends, earning him a fitting nickname that stuck: “The Mustard Man.”

Gary was a creative person who enjoyed painting, drawing and woodworking. He was always making something, often turning his creations into one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family. His projects ranged from handcrafted arrows and canoes to paintings of the scenery he loved.

He also had a special love for dogs and rarely thought of them as simply pets. To Gary, they were members of the family, deserving their own share of love, attention and, more often than not, a little spoiling.

Gary lived life on his own terms and had a personality that was entirely his own. A natural salesman, he had a way with people and could seemingly sell anything to anyone. His family often joked that he “could sell a ketchup popsicle to a lady in white gloves,” a saying that perfectly captured his gift for persuasion and his unmistakable charm.

Those who knew Gary will remember his one-of-a-kind personality and the many stories and memories that came with knowing him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, William John Davis and Velma Mae Summers; his grandsons, John Tyler Davis and Clay Christopher Davis; and several beloved family dogs who held a special place in his heart: Willy, Charlie, Abner, Sassy and Pippa.

He is survived by his children, Cole Davis, Casey Davis (Cristy Schaffan), Colby Davis (Bree-Ann Long) and Stacy Davis (Lance Brozik), all of Rapid City, South Dakota; and his grandchildren, Bryan, Gabby, Will, Cayden, Elliot and Myla.

Memorial visitation will be at Osheim & Schmidt on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5-7pm.