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BORN
1949
DIED
2013
Willie Davison Obituary
September 12, 1949
September 15, 2013
Willie Davison, son, brother, husband, dad, Papa, Big Willie, Duplex, friend, fat bastard, King NCAH, Chicken Wing King, sweet William, wild wonderful Willie...
William Ray Davison was born in Sugarland, Texas, and died at home in Sparks, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter Amanda Rose and his dad C. R. "Jr." Davison. He is survived by his mother Ida Mae Taylor, his brother Chuck Davison, his mother-in-law Esther Faircloth and friend Bruce Bayne - all of Las Vegas. He leaves behind his family of 43 years - JoD, daughter Jennifer Rae, son William Davison and daughter-in-law Adrienne and his heart's joy, his granddaughters Delana and Lillie. He is survived too by Nikki, Jon, Taylor and Spencer Brandt of Michigan. The Davison and Faircloth family extends to a great number of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Willie was thankful for many dear friends and associates (if there were room, your name would be here) who helped him dream, who shared the beer, the cheer and the laughter. These friends carry the stories of softball and football games, umpiring, travels, Hot August Nights, the music and dancing at Willie D's, The Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off, and the general crazy antics that reached and entertained a wider circle. If you knew Willie you know the larger than life ego and you know his heartaches. You understand that these few words inadequately tell his story. To those of you who will miss Willie, Be Well in the Spirit!
Please join us in remembrance and celebration of Willie Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Sparks Recreation Dept Event Center on 98 Richards Way. We're having a party; come share your story.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Delana and Lillie's education fund. Wells Fargo Delana Pennington account #9817174478 or please make a donation to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie Davison
Randy Wike
September 13, 2024
Willie was one of a kind-- I was one of the first people Willie met in Reno/Sparks. He was a great friend and I wish the Davison family the best, you are always on my mind and my heart. The getaway trips that Willie and I took together will never be forgotten. IF YOU KNEW WILLIE, YOU KNEW THAT SMILE OF HIS! I love you and miss you! Randy Wike
October 9, 2013
Jod and family got to talk to willie at the 45 year reunion it was nice he told me Jod your were the apple of his eye I am so sorry for your loss. ART EMLING
Don Peer
September 23, 2013
Bless you and yours, Willie.
May you rest in peace and look down fondly on those you've left behind.
Don Peer
September 23, 2013
Bless you and yours, Willie.
Rest in peace and look down fondly on those you've left behind.
Terri Cox Srch
September 22, 2013
When one thinks of Willie, the words "Larger than Life" and "Life of the Party" come to mind... He brought such joy to those whose lives he touched. Our world is decidedly dimmer without you in it.
Your memory will be cherished by many for years to come.
September 20, 2013
I remember playing music oldies but goodies at Willie Dees in Reno with my band Stevie and the Stingrays...This is way back late 80s Willie was always a fun guy....jovial
Maribeth
September 19, 2013
To Willie's family, loved ones, and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Willie made going to Rancho a fun experience!My fondest memory is whenever we played a rival basketball team, when they would start their fight song, Willie would immediately engage all of the Rancho students in the song "Be True to Your School" drowning out the other school! Whenever I hear that "oldies" song, Willie always comes to mind. Thank you for your friendship and humor. You will be greatly missed by all.
Kay Wilson
September 19, 2013
To the Davison Family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I went to Rancho High School with Willie and last saw him at our 20th high school reunion in 1987. He was his bubbly big bear of a self that I remembered from high school. May God bless you all and may the memories of this wonderful man be of comfort to you.
Tom Jones,IV
September 19, 2013
Willie was the heart and soul of RHS 1967. A leader by example for us all. My best to JoD, Chuck and the rest of his family.
Babette Hart
September 18, 2013
Willie was a larger than life man and was always there to make it all so much fun. Christmas, anniversaries, what ever the occasion you could bet he would make it the best party ever. But he was always there to share the tears too.
Many prayers go to my sister Jo.D, Jennifer, Delana, Lillie, William & Adrienne. Willie will be missed.
September 18, 2013
I remember Willie from Rancho High. One time walking down the hallway he came and hugged me and kind of did a little dance, it made my day, I will never forget it. Kaylene Collins Schwartz
September 18, 2013
Dear JoD. I am so sad to hear of Willie's passing. I have many fond memories of him as our powderpuff football coach in high school and all the times you and I shared as young mothers when I lived in Reno. You have been a wonderful friend over these last 40+ years. I wish I could be there with you on Saturday. I will be thinking of you and sending my love and strength. Charlene
Mike Madden
September 18, 2013
Ian only express how sad this makes me! Willie was Life Itself and did so much for me as well as all the members of Shaboom the band. A day will not go by that he will be thought of and missed.
John Coats
September 18, 2013
I met Willie in Las Vegas in 1971 when I came out to play fastpitch softball. over time we went our seperate ways like a lot of people do but every once and while we would see each other and have a good laugh. He was always very supportive of my endeavors. When I moved to Reno and found out Willie was behind the Hot Ausgust Nights, I wasn't surprised. He's always been a promoter, doing softball tournements to chicken wings to pretty much everthing else. Anyway, a lot of found memories.
Thanks Willie
September 18, 2013
Willie- you will be missed. You sent me an embarassing photo taken of me and said "don't you hate to be recognized like this?" It is my turn to tell you I hate to recognize you like this. See you when it is my time. Joe Canale
Grant Novack
September 18, 2013
JoD and family,
I am so sad to learn of Willie's passing. I met Willie briefly, long ago, just before you both married. I learned then that Willie was a great guy with a fun personality, big-heart, and the most beautiful smile.
JoD, you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless Willie, forever in our hearts.
Love always,
Grant Novack
Don Newman
September 18, 2013
My father played fast pitch softball in Las Vegas years ago with Willie. I remember what a great competitor he was.
Jerry & Joan Faircloth
September 18, 2013
Dear JoD, Jennifer, Delana, Lillie, William & Adreanne,
There was certianly lots of excitment at family events when Big Willie was around. He was always a generous host and we always enjoyed his company. We know he would do anything for anybody who needed help.
We know he is in a good place and is giving Amanda a full report.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Thourgh personal experience we know that there is a place in the heart that aches. Only lots of time will ease it but it really never goes away.
All Our Love & Prayers,
Jerry Jr. & Joan
September 18, 2013
I met Willie 27 years ago when he hired our band Sha-Boom to perform at the second annual HAN Celebration. We went on to develop a close friendship and I was happy I got to talk with him a couple of weeks before his was stricken. My heart goes out to dear friends and family. I will miss him greatly.
Melissa B. (Wied) Patson
September 18, 2013
Davison famiy,
I remember Willie from our years at Rancho. I recall his sense of humor and his perpetual smile. Countless people looked up to him. In 2006, I attended the Last Dance at the Gym all-class Rancho reunion and he remembered my BFF Maribeth and I. He sat with us at dinner at Macayo and we caught each other up on our lives following graduation. He was such an achiever. God Bless JoD and family.
Tobi Murphy
September 18, 2013
I attended Elementary, Middle, and High School with the Mr. Davidson's children. They are such a fantastic family, and I am sending them love and comfort. Your family is such a beautiful part of the world.
Dave Ruhl
September 18, 2013
Becca and I are so deeply saddened by Willie's passing. To Jo'd, Jennifer Rae, Delana, Lillie, William and Adrienne; we know well the hole in your hearts and hope your memories help to make those hearts whole once again. Hope to talk to you at the celebration.
crystal Ice Co.
September 18, 2013
You will be missed!
September 18, 2013
To the Davison Family ~~ may our Source and Creator welcome Willie D. home ... he suffers no more and may his family find peace in the joy and laughter he shared with us all ... he will be not be forgotten.
namaste ~~ michael
Hera Davis
September 18, 2013
My thoughts are with Willie's family. I first met Willie through his wife, JoD, who described him as a big bear. That's exactly what he was. I helped him out with administrative work on his events. Boy, did he have a lot of ideas for events! Funny, they all involved food somehow--his favorite and mine, too, come to think of it. I'll miss his phone calls with his requisite, "what's up darlin'?" and then asking for a quick letter to be sent here or an email to be sent there. Willie was a great guy who loved his family. I'm sorry I won't be able to be there for the remembrance/funeral. R.I.P., Willie.
Jodi Gillenwater (Law)
September 18, 2013
Dear JoD, Jennifer Rae(Miss Cheesehead) and William. I am so sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cyndi & Dave Schaap
September 18, 2013
I wish I had gotten the chance to meet you because you have a great daughter and son in law that I have had the privelage to know and love. Nikki, (your first born) Jon, and their family have become my family and I was really looking forward to a road trip to meet you and hear that laugh I can only imagine now. May you rest in peace and be comforted by the fact that your "little girl" will be welcomed into our family forever!
Bobby Rodriguez
September 18, 2013
Be at PEACE MY Good Friend and associate..will miss you Always...DAMN good TIMES.
Bobby & Roberta Rodriguez
Dan Gray
September 18, 2013
Like most Rancho High guys my age, Willie was idolized by us all. My deepest sympathies go to JoD and all of Willie's family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Monica (Parrish) Noland
September 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fond memories of him will be your strength.
Gregory Faircloth
September 18, 2013
Dear JoD , William , Jennifer , Delana, & Lillie... from my family to yours, we love you and we pray that knowing Big Willie has now seen how beautiful Amanda has become let that comfort you . All our love & prayers during this difficult time.
Terri Murray
September 18, 2013
So sorry I can't be there with you all to celebrate this special man. A part of WillieD will always be in my heart. I only hope I was as good a friend to him as he was to Mike and me.
Laurie Kent
September 18, 2013
So sad to hear the news of Willie. I enjoyed his friendship dearly from the many years of waiting on him. You will be missed Willie. RIP sweet man.
Guy Gansert
September 17, 2013
Willie was such a good man and he willed be missed. Jeff "Fly" Horton still laugh how he gave us our first important job titles as "Facility Coordinator" at Don Mello Complex. Who can ever forget his laugh and smile. Thank you for your friendship Willie.
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