William Jefferson "Bill" Davis

William Jefferson "Bill" Davis passed way at 8 a.m., Jan. 16, 2012 in the presence of his loving wife, Mary Atchley Davis, at the Meridian Retirement Home in Galveston, Texas. They were married 65 years. Bill was 92 years old, born Sept. 26, 1919 in Delight, Ark. to Robert Cargill Davis and Irene Moore Davis. At age 12, he started to work as a caddie at the local golf course in Arkadelphia, Ark. and acquired a lifetime love for the game of golf, and while in college won the Arkansas State Amateur Golf Championship. He was a member of Twin Lakes Country Club in La Marque, Texas for over 40 years and also loved playing bridge, poker, dominoes and other games. Bill enjoyed fishing, duck hunting and squirrel hunting while in Arkansas. He supported the local Little League as a regular score keeper and president for one year. Bill loved fun, but he was also very serious. He began a career serving his country in ROTC while attending college in Arkansas. This led to an officer commission in the U.S. Army and served as a company commander in active combat in the European theater of World War II. He received a Bronze Star medal with oak leaf cluster for meritorious service, and had served 26 years until retiring in 1961 as a Major. He had a strong work ethic, always providing for his family. He owned a grocery store and was an elected tax assessor-collector. In 1952, he moved his young family to Galveston to pursue better opportunities with American National Insurance Company, where he retired as senior vice president of claims after 46 years of service. Bill had a strong belief in the value of education. He received a BA in economics from Henderson State Teachers College and a law degree from LaSalle Institute after WW II. All of his children and grandchildren earned college degrees. Bill and Mary lived in La Marque, Texas. They were members of First United Methodist Church of La Marque over 50 years. Bill also was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Arkadelphia, Ark. over 50 years. They moved to Galveston to enjoy their golden years together. He is survived by wife Mary; sons, Bob Davis married to Anne, and Jim Davis married to Jo; grandchildren, Lisa married to Jeff Ferrara, Greg married to Melissa Davis, Brian Davis, Amanda Davis; great-grandchildren, Sarah Ferrara, Jessica Ferrara and Liam Davis. He is predeceased by his brother, Hayes Davis. Bill was God-fearing, tough and smart. He was a great leader, provider and father and will be sorely missed. A visitation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the James Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque. A memorial service was held on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Meridian Retirement Home, 2228 Seawall in Galveston at the corner of 23rd and Seawall with Rev. Ray Pinard officiating. Graveside service was held at Forest Park East cemetery in Webster at 3 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2012.