Mitchell Ray Davis, 66, of Cole Camp, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1959, in Independence, Missouri, a son of John Dale and Melba (Vaughn) Davis.
At a young age, Tuffy was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Cole Camp and graduated from Cole Camp High School. In 1977 after graduation, he went to work for Habco spraying weeds on the railroad tracks.
Tuffy met and married Kim Marshall. They made their home in Columbia, where he was a mechanic at Custom Muffler. From there he worked with his brother Milburn at sludge management and traveled everywhere from Michigan to Florida. Then he worked for his dad at Davis Industrial Sales. After he'd had enough of that, he worked with his brother, Mike and brother-in-law, Dennis installing telephone lines. Tuffy worked all over the country for about five years. He then went to work for McDonald County Phone for 15 years and lived in Pineville. He had a passion for writing songs and playing music. One evening while playing a gig in Pineville, a gentleman named Bud Miller came up to talk with him and Troy Harms who later went on to sign them to Decca Records. Tuffy wrote a song about living in a log cabin, which he actually built when he moved back to Cole Camp. He then worked for the Benton County Road District for about three years until his retirement.
Tuffy was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, who loved his motorcycles and rode any chance he could. His last purchase was a black Harley-Davidson Tri-glide.
Unfortunately, he battled esophageal cancer for the last five years. Tuffy never lost his sense of humor even during the last few weeks of his life. He always had something to add to the conversation.
Tuffy is truly loved and will certainly be missed but not forgotten. Simply out for a long ride with the sun on his face and the wind in his hair. See ya wild bull rider!
He is survived by his mother, Melba Sharp of Cole Camp; brothers, Mike Davis and Shelly and Milburn Davis and Lisa, all of Cole Camp; sister, Melissa Davis of Sedalia; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, John Davis, and sister, Maleia Ann Craig.
Feel free to ride your bike in memory of Tuffy. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery near Cole Camp with Pastor Jason Veale officiating. Honorary casket bearers Austin Davis, John Davis, and Frank Aiuppa. A pot luck meal and sharing of memories will follow at the Oak Hills Coon Club, 15500 Centerline Avenue, Cole Camp, Missouri.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Mt. Olivet Cemetery in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfuneralhomecolecampm o.com.
