James LeRoy Davis

James LeRoy Davis of Rolla passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 83 years.  He was born December 12, 1940, in Rolla to James Henry and Helen Lotta (Barnes) Davis who precede him in death.

LeRoy was raised in Rolla and attended school there until the 8th grade when he left school to begin working in construction, eventually focusing his incredible skills on masonry and concrete work. LeRoy served his country from January 15, 1959, to January 14, 1965, earning the rank of Specialist in the 3^rd Infantry Division, 2nd Recon, 7th Cav of the United States Army.  After his service he was a member of the American Legion and was a member of the State of Missouri Veterans Recognition Program.

On December 15, 1961, he married Patsy Fern Salts in Rolla. They were married 59 years before her death.

LeRoy loved playing softball and was known for his pitching skills. He was the MVP of his league in 1979. However, the highlight of his softball career was in 1988 playing against the professional softball team the “Steel Silver Bullets”.

He was a member of Beyond Today United Church of God church.

In addition to his parents and wife LeRoy is preceded in death by a son John Davis, and siblings Dean Davis, Janet Henson, Ernest Davis, Mike McClothern, and Jerry Davis.

Those left to mourn his loss are children Les (Stacy) Davis, Darrell Davis, Donnie Davis, Cheryl Westover (Paul Hanks), Trish Meyer; grandchildren Andy Davis, Austin Davis, Heather Hobbs, Josh Davis, Emily Davis, Tyler Davis, Dustin Davis, Jacob Davis, Justin Meyer, and Caitlyn Meyer; great grandkids Ryker, Dakota, Stetson, Payton, Legend, Tommy, Lexington, Ryan, James, Jack and Hudson; siblings Betty (Clyde) Drew, Irene (Donnie) Henson, and Wayne Davis and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday January 27, from 1-5 pm at The Red Shed 169 Truman St Newburg, MO