Prominent Farmer Dies Near Hatchel --- Willis J. Davis, aged forty-four years, died at his home near Hatchel Thursday night at eleven thirty, after suffering for two days with pneumonia. Mr. Davis first had influenza, which developed into pnuemonia and the latter trouble claimed his life in two days after it developed. Deceased would have been forty-four years old had he lived until April 4th. He came to this county eighteen years ago, moving here from Milam County and has been one of the county's most successful farmers. Mr. Davis was a son-in-law of of W. T. Nichols and had a large family connection in Runnels County, there being several children in the Nichols family. A wife and five children survive, the youngest child being twelve years old and the oldest, a son, Clifton, having served in the Army and spent a long time in France. Mr. Davis lived for many years in the southern part of the county in what is known as the Bethel and Pony Creek community. He was prominent in school work and in all work that came up for the betterment of his community. He had a host of friends in the county who will grieve with a heart-broken family. The wife has lost a good husband, the children a good father and the country a good citizen. Friday afternoon at one o'clock the funeral services were held at the home near Hatchel. Dr. Alvin Swindell conducting the service, and the remains were laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery at two thirty.

From The Banner Ledger, Friday, February 27, 1920
Mr. Davis was born on 4/4/1875 in Macon County, Mississippi and was married to Ludie Amanda Nichols on 7/28/1895 in Ad Hall, Milam County, Texas. He was the son of William Sampson Davis and Francis Jane "Fannie" Riddle.