Tommy J. Davis Apr. 19, 1935 Nov. 25, 2005 Tom was born in Ada, Oklahoma to James G. and Florence Davis.
In 1941 the family moved to Santa Paula, California, where he graduated
from high school in 1952. Tom attended USC and Pepperdine College, playing football as a scholarship athlete.
In 1954 Tom married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Nowlin. They remained faithfully in love until his death, and proudly shared the joy of raising two children, Mark and Shelley.
After finishing college, Tom began his professional career as Recreation Director in his home town of Santa Paula. This job began a long and successful career as a leader in the public sector, holding management positions in special districts, cities, and counties in California and Arizona, spanning a period of over 40 years.
In addition to his career, Tom combined his love of sports, public service, and children by coaching youth teams in football, basketball, and baseball. Regardless what he was doing, Tom believed that great things were accomplished by believing in, supporting, and caring for the people around him. Because of this, he maintained life long relationships
with business contacts, as well as children he coached and their families and friends.
Tom is survived by his father, James; his wife, of 51 years, JoAnn; and
children, Mark and Shelley and her husband, Scott Furtak; brother, Larry and his wife, Sharon; grandchildren are Sarah, Tricia and Cassie Furtak and Troy Davis.
His mother, Florence, preceded him in death in April of this year.
In accordance with his wishes, Tom has been cremated, but there will be a Memorial Service at Mish Funeral Home in Oildale, on Friday December 9th, at 2 p.m. This service will be a celebration of a life well spent, and all his friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, we encourage contributions to any well deserving youth orientated program.
