William Eugene Davis, Sr.
William Eugene Davis, Sr., 75, husband of Ann Coleman Davis, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. Born in Shelby, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Truman and Mallie Bridges Davis.
Bill was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University where he met his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Ann. Bill excelled in basketball as well as track & field, and years later was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Lenoir-Rhyne for his athletic abilities; one of his proudest accomplishments. Bill went on to receive a master’s degree in education from UNC Greensboro. His love for teaching and sports led him to coach high school sports and college basketball at High Point University. Bill would later complete a long professional career as a sales leader with Ecolab where he developed lifelong relationships. His sales career path would take him from North Carolina to Maryland, and finally brought him to Simpsonville, South Carolina, where he and Ann have resided for over 37 years.
Coaching and teaching were his passion. He left a legacy of memories on and off the court from his many coaching experiences including coaching his children in basketball and other sports. Bill enjoyed teaching Sunday School at Simpsonville First Baptist Church where he and Ann were long time members. Over the years Bill served as a deacon and left an impact on many lives influencing others to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Bill was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors with a deep appreciation for God’s creation. He instilled this love in his children and some of his fondest memories were sunrises and sunsets on the lake or at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, spent with his family.
In later years Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them participate in sports and other activities. He enjoyed spending time with his dogs at the park meeting and making new friends. He developed many impactful relationships from those simple conversations at the park.
Bill was a loving father and husband who dedicated his life to supporting his family and teaching his children a strong moral and faith-based character. His wife, children, grandchildren, and friends will miss him deeply. You taught us all many lessons in life and have been a tremendous positive influence on so many. You will be forever loved and remembered. Rest easy “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
In addition to his loving wife Ann, Bill is survived by three sons, William Eugene Davis, Jr. (Amy), Thomas Truman Davis (Lori), and Russell Bridges Davis; one daughter, Emily Davis (Luann); and 7 grandchildren (Grace, Cooper, Benjamin, Chloe, Callie, Cole, Cade).
William was preceded in death by one son Michael, one brother, Truman Arlander Davis, and two sisters, Alalee Davis Biggers, and Joyce Davis Bell.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 3:30 pm at First Baptist Simpsonville, 101 Church St, Simpsonville, SC 29681. Interment will follow at Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park in Fountain Inn.
The family will receive friends at the church starting at 2:30 pm.
In Lieu of flowers Bill and Ann would like to donate to “C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation” so that Bill’s passion for fishing, teaching, and giving to others can be carried forward. (castforkids.org)
Ann and family,
Sending love and Prayers for all during this sad time.
Thelma & Kirby
Bill Davis was a classmate (Class of ’69) at Lenoir-Rhyne. Remembered as a tremendous multiple sport athlete but also as a caring and genuine friend to many.
RIP Hall of Famer Bill.
Bill and Ann lived across the hall from me in 1968-69, and Bill and I became fishing buddies. I was sports publicist at Lenoir-Rhyne, and I was privileged to follow Bill’s basketball career for three years. He was an exceptional athlete and an even better person. The only time I saw him after graduation was when he and I ended up refueling at the same gas station in Maryland. It was an unexpected mini-reunion, but I knew instantly it was Bill I had spied. Great person!
Condolences to Ann and family,
Rick Abercrombie
Lenoir-Rhyne 1969
Bill was a great husband,father and friend. We had some good times together back in the day.This world needs more men like Bill,he will be missed. Eddie Huff
Bill was a great husband,father and friend. We had some good times back in the day.This world needs more men like Bill,he will be missed.
Eddie Huff
Bill was a great husband,father and friend. We had some good times back in the day,he will be missed.
Eddie Huff
God graced me with the gift of meeting and making many fond memories with this family. Mr. Davis was a wonderful example, on this earth, of the kindness, loyalty and love God commands us to be in the Bible. My prayers and love are with each and everyone of the children and grandchildren, but especially with Mrs. Davis.
Ann and Billy,
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anything Toni and I can do, please let us know.
With Sympathy,
Toni and Jeff Wolf
Billy. So sorry to hear about your dad. Praying for all of you. Please send my Love and prayers to Ann.
Ann and family, I was so sorry to learn of Bill’s death. I think the last time I saw him he was driving the tractor around the farm at Happy Cow for a church outing I had organized. I was so glad to get one of his great hugs that day. Try as I did, I could not find the perfect house where Bill could fish in a pond or lake out the back door. Love to all. And may God grant you each the peace that passes understanding.
To the Davis family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Davis. I remember him from the different games he watched when Cole and Christian played together. He seemed like a sweet man. We are praying for you all. The Edland’s, Tony, Anne and Christian
Ann, I am heartbroken for you and your family. Bill was the kindest man and I know you will miss him so much. Buddy thought so much of Bill and your family. Please know I am praying for peace and comfort for the days ahead. We all know Bill is rejoicing in heaven. Love Tina Hawkins
Billy, you and your family are in my heart and prayers. With Love from your BHHS Pelham Road Family!
Davis Family, our sincere condolences on the loss of Bill. He is missed and the dog park isn’t the same without him. Sincerely, Tracy, Mike and Meili (Springer Spaniel friend of Max) Seith