Johnny Michael Davis

Johnny Michael Davis, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 82. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and adventurer who touched the lives of all who knew him.

Services will be held Friday, March 13, at 1:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, with graveside service immediately following at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.

Johnny was born on January 6, 1944, in Waco, Texas, to Clifton Edward and Ruth Flanagan Davis. He was the son of two loving parents who instilled in him the values and character that would define his life. A proud Waco High Lion, class of 1962, Johnny went on to graduate from Baylor University in 1968.

Johnny had a passion for adventure and the outdoors that defined his spirit. He was an avid golfer and hunter, and his pursuits extended to snow skiing, photography, and skeet shooting. He loved sailing, fishing, and SCUBA diving with equal fervor. As a licensed private pilot, Johnny reveled in the freedom of flight and the endless horizons that opened before him. There was no challenge too great for him to tackle. Whether on the fairway, the water, or in the sky, Johnny lived life to the fullest.

At his beloved Davis Ranch at Pearl, Texas, Johnny built a cabin with his own hands in solid rock, a testament to his determination and craftsmanship. It was here that he found his sanctuary, sitting on the front deck as the sun painted the sky in brilliant hues, watching the sunset and finding solace in the quiet beauty of the Texas landscape. There was something sacred about that place for Johnny; in the stillness of evening, surrounded by the land he loved so deeply, he discovered a peace that grounded his adventurous spirit.

Johnny also built a magnificent rock home on the Middle Bosque River, constructed entirely of local fieldstone and built to last generations. He had an artist's eye for permanence, and in building with rock, he created something timeless. It was along the banks of the Middle Bosque that Johnny would sit, listening to the river's song as it flowed past. The sound of running water became his meditation. He and Harriet were married there, and now Mike and his family call it home.

As President and CEO, Johnny built on a successful enterprise started by his father with Home State County Mutual Insurance Company, expanding it into other states with Home State Insurance Group and Equity Insurance Company. Beyond the business metrics and bottom lines, Johnny's greatest pride came from the people who worked alongside him. He deeply cared for his employees, viewing them not merely as colleagues but as an extended family. He treasured the time spent with them, the relationships built over the years, and the camaraderie that defined the workplace culture he fostered. He was particularly proud that his children and grandchildren have become integral parts of the family business, ensuring his legacy will continue for generations to come. His leadership and vision transformed the company while honoring the traditions upon which it was founded. It remains one of the largest family-owned businesses in its field.

Johnny cherished his many friendships and valued his relationships with colleagues and business associates. His warmth, generosity, and engaging spirit will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a legacy not just of business success, but of a life fully lived; one marked by courage, adventure, love, and a deep appreciation for both the grandeur and the quiet moments that make life meaningful.

Johnny is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Harriet Herring Davis, his devoted partner who embraced every adventure with grace and supported him and participated in his business endeavors. He was a proud father to his son Mike and his wife Amy, of Waco, Texas, and his daughter Jen, of Wimberley, Texas. He was the proud grandfather of Lili Huddleston and Evan Huddleston, both of Tulsa; and John Davis and William Davis, both of Waco. He is also survived by Mike and Jen's mother, Jonnilou Negri; niece, Melanie Davis, of Ft. Worth; nephew, Gary Davis, of Houston; and sister-in-law, Margaret Davis, of Ft. Worth.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, C.E. and Ruth Davis; his brother, Jackie Clifton Davis; and his sister, Jo Ann Davis Dixon.

Pallbearers are Gary and Melanie Davis, Mike Davis, Evan Huddleston, John Davis, and William Davis.

Honorary pallbearers are Hack Branch, Bob McCann, Paul Skretny, Mark Reynolds, Patrick Russell, Ed Arredondo, Rudy Herzog, Larry Parks, John Foster, Jackie Durham, Lee Ann Stewart, Alonso Santacruz, and all the employees of Home State Insurance Group.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Johnny's honor to the American Heart Association, Waco Meals on Wheels, or the Animal Birth Control Clinic.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Johnny in his “Memorial Guestbook” online at www.WHBfamily.com.