The man, the myth, the legend. Kevin Ray Davis, age 42, unexpectedly passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Beaver, Utah, on March 17, 1981, to Dwayne and Tracy Messer Davis. He grew up in Cedar City, Utah, riding bikes and playing baseball.
In 1995, the family moved to Richfield, Utah. Later, in Kevin’s junior year of high school, he joined the Utah Army National Guard. After graduating from Richfield High School in 1999, he continued his National Guard training with his unit, the 222, where he received awards for marksmanship.
In 2000, Kevin was called to serve a mission in Brazil for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving the people of Brazil and made many lifelong friendships with his fellow companions.
Kevin returned from his mission in 2002 and met the love of his life, the captivating Ashlei Dawn Lee. On March 1, 2003, Kevin received his activation orders for Operation Iraqi Freedom and proposed to Ashlei that afternoon. The whirlwind romance couple married in the St. George LDS Temple three days later on March 4, 2003.
When he returned from active duty he worked at Parkway Motor while attending Southern Utah University and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in business. After graduation, he worked as a salesman and sales manager for Fastenal. Kevin loved his career, it provided an opportunity for him to meet and interact with many different people. His very social, likable and funny personality aided his ability to succeed in sales.
In 2010, Kevin moved his wife and two sons to St. George, Utah, where he started his career as an educator at Utah Technical College (DXATC). He taught Diesel Mechanics and gained a love for teaching young minds. After a few years, he was offered a position at Desert Hills High School as an automotive teacher.
Kevin had finally found his true calling. He worked alongside his fellow Washington County Automotive Department colleagues to develop and implement an automotive program that became the standard guide for other school districts in Utah. His students became his second family. He delighted in being part of their education and enjoyed seeing them grow and develop into independent, caring young adults.
Kevin had many interests and hobbies which he enjoyed sharing with his two sons Tegan and Paxton. He aspired to be a roadie for Tegan’s band and “dadager” to Paxton’s future professional athletics career. He never missed a sporting event, band concert, awards ceremony or movie night. All the while supporting his scholarly wife as she pursued her college education, Kevin took on roles of dad, husband, mechanic, chauffeur and head chef. Always one to crack a joke, Kevin loved to make people laugh.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 21 years Ashlei; his two sons Tegan Davis and Paxton Davis; mother Tracy Messer Davis of St. George, Utah, and father Dwayne Davis of Hurricane, Utah; siblings Daniel Davis of Logan, Utah, Roger (Jori) Davis of St. George, Utah, and Sara Davis of St. George, Utah; mother and father-in-law Vicki and Mike Lee of Parowan, Utah; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends and students.
A viewing/celebration of life for Kevin will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at the Hidden Valley LDS Stake Center, 130 Hidden Valley Drive, St. George, Utah. Funeral services will be held at the same location Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Prior to the funeral services, a viewing will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Interment will be held in the Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, under the direction of McMillan Mortuary 435-688-8880. All are welcome to gather at the church to view and share memories of Kevin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kevin Davis Memorial Fund at Mountain America Credit Union.
To livestream services or share condolences, click here to access the McMillan Mortuary website.