William J. Davis' Obituary
William J. Davis was a well-loved father, grandfather, and husband who passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. He was born September 18, 1934, in Commerce, Texas, to James Otto and Oneta Davis.
Bill graduated from Gilbert High School, attended Arizona State University, and proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He moved to Ohio in the mid-1960s and met Marilyn, whom he married in November 1968. Together they raised two daughters, Sharon and Diane.
He was preceded in death by his siblings James Ray, Kenneth, Jerald, and Shirley Anne (Davis) Tipton, as well as his dear friend John Burk, whom he considered a brother.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughters, Diane Davis and Sharon (Grant) Shaffer; his grandchildren, Abigail Leigh Shaffer and Jackson Davis Shaffer; his sister Betty Sue (Davis) Warner; his dear friend Kenneth Burk, whom he considered a brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the Church of Christ since his youth. His favorite vacation destination was Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. He enjoyed working with numbers and doing tax returns, and worked across the industries of manufacturing, construction, and financial advising. He loved listening to music, playing card games, traveling, and visiting with family and friends — and he especially enjoyed dessert before dinner.
He will be greatly missed.
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