Rip was a dedicated and active parishoner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, RCIA sponsor, bereavement committee head, and committed chapel adorer. He and his wife, Gussie, hosted numerous gatherings for their family and community where food and fun were always plentiful. He will be fondly remembered for his mischievous storytelling, hearty laughter, and joyous singing of “How Great Thou Art” from the pews.
Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 40 years, Gussie Davis; his beloved children, Vicki Arbour, Shelley Bridges and her husband, Jim, Laurie Strickland, Fred Downing, Stephanie Davison and her husband, Andrew, Margaret Pfeil and her husband, Simon, Mary Marcello and her husband, Matthew; 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Randall Simon; brother-in-law, William Mathes, and sister-in-law, Wanda Davis.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine Landgraf Davis; daughter, Diane Simon; granddaughters, Katie Arbour and Heather Strickland; parents, Sebie and Mary Niehaus Davis; and siblings, Alvin Davis, Hollis Davis, Doris Price, Douglas Davis, Evelyn Mathes, and Earl Davis.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Denham Springs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 noon. Internment at Louisiana National Veterans Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the staff at Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge and Clarity Hospice for their compassionate care. Please sign our online registry book.
9 comments
Patricia T Wallner
January 17, 2025 at 12:31 pm
I can still hear him sing when choir dies “How Great Thou Art”. Always a smile.
Mitch Chiniche
January 15, 2025 at 4:15 pm
He was an awesome man! Always a joy to be around.
Sheri Gill
January 15, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Mr. Rip will be missed at the Council On Aging. Mrs. Gussie and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Price
January 14, 2025 at 5:10 pm
Please accept my sincere condolences. I didn’t know Mr. Rip well, but I will miss his joyful presence at Mass. My sweet mom, Marie, loved serving on his bereavement team for food. She never drove. And if we couldn’t get the food to the church for her, he always stopped to pick it up.
Philip Stewart
January 14, 2025 at 1:19 pm
Gussie, Margaret and Mary, I am so sad to hear of Rip’s passing, he was a great man, always full of life and made everyone fill welcome
I will keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do
Linda J Gonzales
January 13, 2025 at 11:49 pm
Loved Rip going to miss him kissing me on the cheek. One of the best men I have ever met. Hugs to Gussie and family Love Yall
Barbara Dugas Cheney
January 13, 2025 at 6:18 pm
Many will miss his smile and welcoming handshake at mass. Many memories will help you through this time. God bless
Patricia Genre
January 13, 2025 at 12:19 am
Gussie,
There are no words, only hugs and prayers for all of you. Rip was one of my favorite people! The two of you and your precious family are blessings to us.
Pat Genre
Robert Trahan
January 12, 2025 at 10:10 pm
I was surprised to hear of this today at mass, God bless Mr Rip and his family, you are are in our thoughts and prayers I am going to miss his gentle smile and firm handshake till we meet again!