Gail Renee Davis

Gail Renee Davis, 51, passed away on November 19, 2015 at Suncoast Hospice in St. Petersburg, FL. She was born on January 31, 1964 in Beaufort, SC to Harry and Emily Thorpe. Gail grew up as a Marine brat, moving all over the country until her family settled in Salt Lake City, UT. She graduated from Cypress High School in Salt Lake City, UT in 1982. After high school, in 1984, she joined the United States Navy where she served her country as a sailor for 20 years. Gail married Kurtis Davis in 1985 in Salt Lake City, UT. They soon departed on a lifetime of adventure that neither of them were expecting or prepared for. They traveled around the world together, experiencing what life has to offer and sharing those experiences together. In 1993, Gail gave birth to Gabrielle Davis, her daughter, making the Davis� a family of three. They moved to Sigonella, Sicily, immersing themselves in the Sicilian culture and making Sicily home for 6 years. In 2001, they moved to Fallon, NV for Gail�s final duty station and made a home there as well. In 2005, Gail retired from the Navy after serving her country for 20 years and moved with her family to Florida, where she lived out the rest of her life. In Florida, Gail attended the University of South Florida to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Social Work, graduating in 2011. She pursued Social Work and worked to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earning her certificate in 2014. At the Bay Pines VA she ran a homeless outreach program, giving back to her fellow veterans and assisting them in finding housing. In November 2014, Gail was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and made the decision to fight, beginning several rounds of chemo and radiation. She and Kurtis supported and loved each other, and she gave it everything she had, continuing to live life and to persist. In the end, as her illness progressed, she laughed where many others would have cried and finally, after nearly a year of fighting with such a terrible disease, Gail passed away peacefully and with a smile on her face. Gail touched the lives of all of those with whom she came into contact. She spread light and love through her work and in her friendships. She lived big and took on the world, experiencing it with wonder and adventure. Gail is survived by her spouse, Kurtis Davis, her daughter, Gabrielle Davis, her mother, Emily Thorpe, her brothers Jon and Harry Thorpe and other relatives. She also leaves behind her beloved friends who were her chosen family. A small service will be held at the gazebo near the columbarium in the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery on December 3, 2015 at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Suncoast Hospice who gave care and comfort throughout the progression of Gail's illness. You can find their donation link at: www.thehospice.org/Donate.