Monte Ray-Ross Davis Sr. died Monday, Aug. 5. He was just shy of his 67th birthday.

Born Aug 27, 1957, in Grand Rapids, to Thomas and June Davis, he grew up in Eastmanville, and graduated Coopersville High School in 1976. He attended Grand Valley State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning.

Monte adored the place of his youth and the lifelong friends he established there. Because of his love of learning and adventure, he acquired many talents and abilities, from building houses to driving cement trucks, he proudly dubbed himself “The King of Cobble.”

Monte began a career with the Gun Lake Tribe in 2005. He eventually advanced to become the Director of Public Works, where he loved the work and the people he worked with until he retired in August 2020.

Outside of work, his lifelong passion was music. He was a self-taught musician from a young age, and garnered lifelong friendships with many like-minded musicians. His best friend and musical partner, Vance, would constantly amaze him with songs, and their shared love of the music of John Prine would bring many new friends into their circle.

Monte loved fishing with his bestie, Ed, where he was always on the prowl for that elusive “catch of the day” with some of the funniest tales about the ones that got away!

He had a scanning eye out for his brothers Jijak (crane) and implemented an annual crane count that was reported to the International Crane Foundation. He respected and honored the traditions and culture of the Potawatomi community who had adopted him as family more than 30 years ago.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Phyllis, sons Monte Davis Jr. (Britty) and Jeff Dowdy (Denise); grandchildren Zach, Tristell, Blade, and Grace; niece, Megan Davis; nephews Mark, David, and Henry; sister-in-law, Tracy (Sarah); brother-in-law, Robert (Marsha); and best friends Ed, Jeff, Marshall, and Rich.

He was preceded in death by father, Tom; mother, June; and most recently his brother, John.

The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th St., Dorr. There will be visitation with family from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wheatland Music Organization and The International Crane Foundation.