Dr. William Hatcher Davis

1939 - 2017

William Hatcher Davis, professor emeritus of philosophy, died at Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation in Alexander City, Ala., on Saturday (May 13, 2017). He was 78 years old. Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, Jill H. Davis; his children, Andrew Bradford Davis, James Austin Davis and Daniel Jude Davis of Auburn, Ala.; his nieces, Kayla Kelly Hunt, Lucille Gwendolyn Hunt; nephew, Raymond Andrew Hunt of Fayetteville; his father-in-law, Wendell C. Hunt of Cullman, Ala.. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher Cameron Davis. Dr. Davis was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Lincoln to Eva Lois and George Bright Davis. He received his bachelor's degree in Bible from Abilene Christian College and his master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy from Rice University. Dr. Davis's academic career spanned nearly five decades. He taught at the University of Houston for two years and Auburn for 47 years. He was a scholar of the Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, Epistemology and Pragmatism, Dr. Davis published Science and Christian Faith, Pierce's Epistemology, The Freewill Question and "Why be Moral?" He was a member of Auburn Church of Christ and enjoyed sacred harp singing. When asked what he liked most about this life, he answered, "The variety". He was once voted "funniest professor of the year" and said that should he die, he wished his epitaph to read, "Vitamins are no darn good!" Dr. Davis's brain is being donated to the University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank at Miller School of Medicine to further research in the area of neurodegenerative diseases. A private memorial service for the family is planned. We hope that everyone who knew and appreciated Bill will gather in their own way to remember and honor him. Memorial gifts may be made to Give Kids The World Village, 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory, www.jeffcoattrant.com, in charge of arrangements.