Gerard Davet – January 10 1946 – March 31 2026
Gerard Davet was born on 10 January 1946 in Vichy, France, to André Rene Robert and Gisèle Madeleine Davet. He has a brother named André Rene Noël Jacques Joseph Davet, and two sisters named Brigitte Savignac, and Chantal Costes. His father served in the French Air Force, which took the family to Africa for four formative years of Gerard’s childhood. After his parents divorced, Gerard moved to the United States with his mother at the age of sixteen.
He enrolled at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky, where he met the love of his life, Grace Amburgey. The two married in 1965- Gerard was 19 and Grace 18- and would share a faithful partnership that spanned sixty years.
Service to Country
In 1966 Gerard answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. While stationed at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he served in the civil engineering branch, contributing to the construction and maintenance of Minuteman II missile sites. During his four year service (1966-1970) he became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
A Dream Takes Flight
After leaving the Air Force, Gerard pursued a childhood promise he once made to his brother while sitting on the steps of their grandmother’s house: “One day I’ll fly one of those planes.” He began his flying career as a corporate pilot for Codell Construction Company, piloting a Helio 295 Super Courier and a Swearingen Merlin II. His work often required landing on remote strip mines- dangerous missions he embraced with enthusiasm. A later brush with the infamous Bermuda Triangle added another wild chapter to his airborne adventures.
Professional Aviation
Gerard’s passion for aviation led him to become a pilot for American Airlines in Nashville, Tennessee. He later relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he served as a flight instructor and FAA Designated Examiner, certifying countless new pilots. Over a distinguished career he amassed more than 50,000 flight hours, a testament to his skill, dedication, and love of the skies.
Family and Enterprise
Gerard was a devoted father to two sons:
Jean-Claude Davet, founder and owner of Davet Roofing Inc.
Jean-Paul Davet, an electrical engineer with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Both sons inherited their father’s relentless work ethic and his commitment to excellence which will also be passed on to his two grandsons that adore him.
Inventor and Entrepreneur
A natural tinkerer, Gerard’s mechanical ingenuity earned him a United States patent for an automatic pet feeder- the “Super Feeder.” Thousands of units have since been sold worldwide, providing comfort to pets and their owners alike.
Faith, Courage, and Service
Gerard’s Christian faith guided his life’s choices. He was known for his strength, courage, and unwavering resolve to pursue his dreams while encouraging others to do the same. His willingness to confront “impossible” challenges inspired family, friends, and strangers alike.
Two moments in Corpus Christi, Texas, stand out: on separate occasions he rescued three individuals- a father, his son, and a teenager- from a strong surface level rip current, underscoring his instinct to help whenever needed.
Passions Beyond the Cockpit
Weightlifting – Gerard, once crowned Mr. Kentucky, made physical fitness a cornerstone of his life and passed this habit on to his sons.
Model Train, Airplane & Model Boat Racing – He excelled as a hobbyist, winning the U.S. 1 National Championship and setting a speed record with his model boat.
Legacy
Gerard Davet will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, skilled aviator, inventive mind, and steadfast gentleman of faith. His life illustrates how determination, humility, and compassion can touch countless lives- both on the ground and in the heavens. May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him to chase their own dreams, face challenges head on, and serve others with an open heart.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Andre and Gisele Davet. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Grace Davet; children, Jean-Claude (Jill) Davet, Jean-Paul (Bridget) Davet; grandchildren, Jean-Luc Davet, and Beau-Gaston Davet; brother, Andre (JoAnne) Davet; sisters, Brigitte (Yoland) Savignac, and Chantal Costes (Xavier); sister-in-law, Linda (Kenneth) Hisel. Along with many other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm, and Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 8:00am-9:00am, with funeral service at 9:00am at Sellars Funeral Home Mt. Juliet. Interment will be at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter
