He was almost killed in an automobile accident on November 19, 1954 in California. He lost his left eye as a result, and wore an eye patch for at least six months following the accident. Due to his determination to perform, he was back on stage within weeks, making wise cracks about his eye patch. His accident spooled over into religions conversion to the Jewish faith which he sincerely held for almost the rest of his life. Later, he was fitted for a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life.

Three times married, Davis beat alcohol abuse, physical infirmity and the color bar and admitted he'd thrown away four fortunes gambling in Vegas and living the good life.' Yet the musical legacy he left is priceless, and one that will surely endure for all time. Davis died in  Beverly Hills California on May 16, 1990, of complications from throat cancer. Earlier, when he was told he could be saved by surgery, Davis replied he would rather keep his voice than have a part of his throat removed. However, a few weeks prior to his death his entire larynx was removed during surgery. He was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale California  next to his father and Will Mastin.