Ralph Webb Davis, Junction City, who goes by his middle name of Webb, turns 100 years old on Tuesday, July 2. There was a party to celebrate his birthday Sunday at the Valley View Estates Community Room. The party was open to the community.
Webb had a chance to visit with friends during the party.
Webb sat down with JC Post this past week to talk about his life. He was born on a family farm, one and a half miles south of Aullville, Missouri and was the last of six siblings.
Webb lived in multiple Missouri communities when he was young and worked on the family farm from the age of 17 until he was 28. At that point he worked for Safeway Stores before moving to Junction City in 1954 to manage the A & P grocery store on 7th Street. He has lived in Junction City ever since then.
Davis noted he liked Junction City and the people. "Of all the places I've lived it's the most friendly place I've ever been."
Davis would later work for Keintz IGA, sell insurance, purchase and operate a Western Auto store before closing it in 1979 and opening a small engine repair shop. He retired in 1985.
Following the death of his first wife, Willa, Webb would later remarry Marjorie Gatza ( Davis ) who would eventually serve as a longtime Geary County Clerk. His two stepsons Dale and Daryl Gatza, and Marjorie have all passed away. Webb's daughter, Karen Flynn, Crossville, Tennessee, is working to coordinate the birthday party.
Webb said his health is good and he takes no prescription medication, only one vitamin a day. He is looking forward to seeing his great grandchildren on Sunday.
Webb has enjoyed participation in multiple civic clubs including the Elks Lodge, Eagles and the former Sertoma Club. He has also attended the Presbyterian Church since 1955.
Davis is a sports fan of the Junction City Blue Jays, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. He also points to fishing as a favorite. Listening to games on the radio is one of his fun activities.
Davis enjoys people, saying that those he has met have been the greatest part of his life. He said on Sunday that he would tell the people, "I love them all."