Alfred M. “Tuffy” Davis

A One of Kind, a man of true grit, Alfred M. “Tuffy” Davis, 96, passed away, Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in Austin, TX. Tuffy was born in Austin, TX on 1st and Waller at home to Arnold Davis and Myrtle Bryant on December 14, 1924. He attended schools at Henley, Mt. Gainor and Dripping Spring, TX. He graduated in 1944 from Dripping Springs, TX in a class of 13 and all 13 men and women served active duty during WWII and all came home.

Tuffy serviced in the 96th Infantry. Combat battles included an assault landing in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, The Battle of Okinawa (April 1, 1945 – June 22, 1945) was the last major battle of World War II, and one of the bloodiest. He was one of 38 men left in his company at the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge. Tuffy was also present on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay and witnessed the formal ceremony of the official signing of surrender by the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. After which he returned home Stateside from Kadena Air base in Okinawa. After the war he worked every kind of infrastructure job, from building roads, erecting and painting water towers and bridges all across Texas.

He was and always will be a true cowboy. From the time he was big enough to jump on a mule to ride to school and graduated to breaking horses and herding cattle. While later on he competed as a PRC professional bull and saddle broncs rider. On September 20, 1958 he married Shirley Weaver, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Shirley’s son, Keith age 2 stood as best man. Together they had two daughters and raised their family in South Austin before moving the family to Driftwood in 1972.

In 1970 Tuffy established a water well drilling company on which he attached his family name

(Davis Water Well Drilling), where he drilled a large portion of the Texas hill country. After retiring in 1991 he set off to travel the lower 48 states and Alaska with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Tuffy is proceeded in death by his mother Myrtle Bryant, father Arnold Davis, of Austin sister Viola Davis of Henley, brother Robert Davis of Spicewood. Tuffy is survived by his wife Shirley, son Keith Davis and husband Rick Newlin of Houston, daughter JoAnne Davis of Llano, daughter Connie and husband James Young of Austin. Grandchildren, Dallas Rogers, Dustun Rogers and Cheyanna Reynolds and great-grandson Devan Reynolds, and niece Kathy Todd. Many family members and friends.

Funeral service was held on Friday, May 14, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home and was officiated by Rev Jon Alworth of Houston, TX. Burial followed at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr. Austin, TX.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, Texas – (512) 452-8811. Remembrances may be shared at www.wcfish.com.