In Memoriam: Dick Davis of McMillan Fiberglass Stocks
The shooting world lost a good man last night, Dick Davis of McMillan Fiberglass Stocks. Prior to his recent retirement from McMillan, Davis helped thousands of shooters choose and configure their stocks. Friendly, courteous, and always helpful, Davis had a vast knowledge of the shooting industry that he shared with all he met. We at AccurateShooter.com were privileged to have worked with Dick Davis on many interesting projects. We are saddened at his passing.
Remembering Dick Davis
by Kelly McMillan
No one reaches adulthood in this world without losing someone close to them and we here at McMillan Fiberglass Stocks are no exception. Last night Dick Davis passed away. Dick had suffered from a heart murmur all of his life though you wouldn’t know it. He climbed three of the highest peaks in North America, was Mountain Search and Rescue, was an avid competitive shooter, set a World Record in 1000-yard benchrest, was absolutely the most knowledgeable person I have ever met when it came to firearms of all types, and he raised three great kids. It was ultimately his tired heart that gave out on him.He came to work for us in 1986 and quickly worked into a position as General Manager. He maintained that position for the rest of his career with McMillan. He took three brief years to spread his wings a little in the late 1990s to work with Lazzeroni, but realized, as I did, his real place was with the McMillan Family. He was responsible for a tremendous amount of the growth we experienced over the last 30 years and though he officially retired last year, he had and always will remain a part of the McMillan Family.
I, and everyone that knew Dick, have lost a great friend. There will be stories told around this industry for years to come of what a nice guy and how knowledgeable he was. He will now watch over this business along with my mother and father.
He will be sorely missed.
SHOT Show Interview with Dick Davis
For those who never met Dick Davis, and benefited from his great knowledge of stock design and construction, we’re running this video we filmed with Dick back in 2011. Dick reviewed the features of McMillan’s A3 sporter stock introduced that year. Dick told us: “The tactical shooters have been bugging [us] for years for a hunting stock they can shoot offhand”. For its new A3 Sporter, Dick explained that McMillan modified the butt and the fore-arm to create a better platform for hunters.
Dick was a stand up guy and one of my favorite people to talk to at shot. We spent many times talking over a booth carpet at the show or at a dinner with friends. He was always pleasant, knowledgeable and great to work with. I have missed him for the last few years. Rest in peace good friend. The rest of us will miss you dearly.