Clayton Davis

LIMA -- Clayton Cooper Davis, 86, of Lima, OH died 3:26 p.m. Friday May 6, 2022 at Vancrest of St. Marys.

He was born October 24, 1935 in Forsyth Co., NC to Bruce and Mozell (McKnight) Davis.

In 1986, he married Shirley Jane Sampson, who died January 20, 2022.

Survivors include: son Kevin (Maria) Davis of Slidell, LA, Daughter Sheila (Rodney) Metz of Wapakoneta, OH, Daughter Cheryl (Robert) Bechtel of Belle Center, OH, Daughter Denise (Steve) Gahman of Dublin, OH, Grandchildren: Traber Giardina, Blair Ellenwood, A.J. Davis, John Clay Davis, Ericka Bechtel, Ryan Bechtel, Taylor Bechtel, Carol Ann Payne, Alison Entinghe, Luke Gahman, Michal Gahman, 13 great-grandchildren, Sister Nyrell Snyder of Rising Sun, MD, Sister Inell Goodman of Conowingo, MD, Brother Thomas Davis of Leesburg, FL

Preceded in death by: parents Bruce and Mozell Davis; wife Shirley Davis; sister Marcel Howell; former wife Bernice Bryant-Davis

Mr. Davis worked for Chrysler Corp. in Farmington Hills, MI and General Dynamics Corp. in Lima, OH, where he retired as chief of engineering. He was instrumental in overseeing design and production of the M1-Abrams tank for the U.S. military forces.

He was a long-time member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima.

His favorite pastimes included fishing, traveling in his RV with his wife Shirley, his dog Cooper and visiting with family and friends.

The family thanks the staff at Kessler Estates and Mercy Health Hospice for the excellent care and love shown to Clay.

Rites are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 25, 2022 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road in St. Marys. The Rev. John Foster will officiate the services.

Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Clayton's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net