William "Bill" Davis

View Bill's Tribute Video

William “Bill” Davis, 80, of Gettysburg, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veteran’s Home, Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Father Jerry Kopel presiding. Burial of his cremains will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery with military honors. A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2017, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.

William Russell Davis, Jr. was born January 8, 1937 to William R. and Catherine (Sokola) Davis in Detroit, MI. Bill grew up and attended school in Detroit, graduating from high school in 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. Bill was stationed in Wadena, MN and then Gettysburg, until he was discharged in 1958.

While stationed in Gettysburg, Bill met Sharon Jackson. They were married on June 27, 1959 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. During the first few years of marriage, he worked for RCA as a civilian at the Airforce bases in Gettysburg; Alamogordo, NM; and Greenland.  

After being moved around, they made their forever home in Gettysburg, SD in 1965. Bill opened a repair shop in the back of Katherine and Howard Loitwood’s store. He also worked for Hardy and Loren Langslet at the local furniture store and mortuary business.

Bill opened his own business in his residence, selling Zenith Televisions and Whirlpool appliances, until he retired in 2000. Even after retirement he continued to repair various items for whoever would ask. He was also employed by Midcontinent Cable and Don and Kay Archer at the Firehouse.

Bill was very dedicated to Gettysburg, having been involved in many organizations through his lifetime. He was a member of the Gettysburg Fire Department for 25 years, serving as Fire Chief for several years and also as an EMT. He dedicated over 25 years to city government, serving as a councilman and mayor.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, having spent many of these times with his family. He was the last remaining member of the “River Rats”. He did wood working and made many shelves and clocks throughout the years. Bill loved music and taught himself to play the harmonica as a young boy, and he later played the key board. He loved to sing, spending many years running a karaoke business.  After he moved to the State Veteran’s Home, he continued to do karaoke once a month for the staff and other residents. He collected clocks, clocks and clocks - he loved clocks - all different sizes, shapes and noises. He was very appreciative of the time his family spent with him and the phone calls he received. He was proud of his grandchildren and loved to brag about their achievements.

Bill has truly enjoyed his last few years at the VA State Home in Hot Springs. He enjoyed all the activities and especially the trips that they were able to take. He was thankful for the care he received and getting to know all the employees and residents at the home.

Bill’s life will be cherished by his daughter, Cindy (Don) Frost; son-in-law, Wayne Vander Vorst, all of Gettysburg; grandchildren: Bill Vander Vorst, Mindy (Cody) Stotz, Kyle Vander Vorst, Brandon Vander Vorst, Tyler Frost, Morgan Vander Vorst, Taylor Frost, Robert Frost, Rebecca Frost and Reid Frost; great grandchildren: Tanner Vander Vorst, and Brylee and Hayven Stotz; sister-in-law, Nancy Davis; and nieces and nephews: Eric Davis, Michelle Davis, Jim Frost, and Betty Randall.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; daughter, Cathy Vander Vorst; grandson, Jason Vander Vorst; and brother, Richard Davis.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.

Bill's funeral service will be webcast live (click on livestream) and archived at this location: www.GetSHC.org