Message from our Class President, Glen Woods;
With great sadness, I tell you of the passing early this month of another of our ’78 brothers, Bill Davis (12th Co). He succumbed at his home to pancreatic cancer, but throughout it he was strong- like a Marine. Bill was one of our more senior classmates, having come to Mother B, after a couple of years as an enlisted Marine. A quiet, sure of himself, “Texas cowboy”, he was a solid guy and a true friend. Our prayers go out to his family, his widow, Chery, and our brothers in 12th Company, who knew him best. If anyone wishes to donate in his name, Bill suggested the animal sanctuary “Best Friends” in Utah or the Naval Academy. His obituary from the Mariposa Gazette, 21 January 2021, is below and on the Memorial Page of the website.
Fair Winds…..
Glen
“William Edward Davis, age 68, was born in Leesville, La., on Oct. 7, 1952, and succumbed to pancreatic cancer at home in Mariposa on Jan. 7, 2021. Bill grew up in Houston, Texas, where he was known as “Buddy. ”During the Vietnam War, Bill joined the Marine Corps and served two years. The Marines selected him for candidacy to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where he obtained a degree in history. He married his first wife, Linda, soon after graduation. Bill then served for five more years in the Marines and left as a captain. During his time in the military, Bill obtained his master’s in Business Administration from National University, going on to work in finance for several organizations. Bill was married to Linda for 23 years then divorced. He met Chery and was married on March 24, 2002. In 2005, Chery and Bill retired and moved to Mariposa. Bill worked in finance for Delaware North in Yosemite, campaigned for Mariposa County Auditor and served in that office from 2011 to 2015.Bill enjoyed many hobbies, but one of the things he liked best was traveling. He and Chery took almost yearly trips to United States national parks and to locations around the world. Basia and Martin, friends from England, would join them for trips to Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Poland, England, Andorra, and the U.S. Photography was another of Bill’s hobbies so you can imagine the photos he took as they traveled. The things that will be missed most about Bill will be his playful sense of humor, his love and his knowledge of seemingly everything. Bill outlived his mother, Anna Mae, and his two sisters, Sue and Jae. He is survived by his wife, Chery; his nephews, Roger Jr., Ronnie, and Dean; and Jae’s partner, J.J. Due to Covid-19, a video of Bill’s life will be made in lieu of a service. If you wish to donate in his name, Bill suggested the animal sanctuary “Best Friends” in Utah or the Naval Academy (information online).”