On September 7, my parents, David C. Davis and Gannetta Ann Howell, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and what a journey it’s been. My Mom is a pillar of strength, a two-time cancer survivor, with a strong faith in God. My Dad, has also had a few close calls, surviving a near death experience with septicemia a few years back…but he bounced back stronger and feistier than ever. I’m grateful for all the things my parents taught me. My Dad instilled in me the importance and values of keeping up a nice yard, garden, and car. I’m grateful for my Mom driving me to and from guitar and singing lessons…and for the late nights, sewing costumes for me and my sister and for showing me how to keep a tidy house.
After all these years, in good and bad times, my parents are still going strong. They have lived most of their adult lives in Southern Oregon and built their beautiful home on Applegate Street in 2009 on a lot they had purchased many years prior. They chose Jacksonville mostly due in part to their friendships with Robbie Collins and Eugene Bennett—two men who were instrumental in saving historic Jacksonville.
My parents have always felt Jacksonville is the “Shining Star” of Southern Oregon. My Dad still loves driving around town in his eggs nest blue Thunderbird, and Mom and Dad still make frequent visits to their lake house at Lake Shastina. And they show no signs of slowing down… (well maybe a little) and their marriage and life together has endured the test of time!
Happy 60th Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Your Loving Son,
Michael