Harlan (Harley) Archie Davis

Harlan A. Davis, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Pontiac, Michigan.

He was born in Detroit Michigan in 1939 to Dean and Leone, then later joined by his two younger sisters Sarah and Diana. Harley graduated from Bloomfield Hills High School and then he went onto Parsons College in Iowa to play football in 1957. Following the sudden death of his father, he returned home to grieve with his family and then returned to school in Iowa. Eventually, he joined the Air Force in 1962, later he would be honorably discharged from active duty and transition to serve in the Air Force Reserves for four years. During this time, he would begin work in Appliance Sales & raise a family.

A major highlight of his life was his relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ. He was a great witness to a joyful relationship with God. He enjoyed going to church for worship and fellowship. Since 2003, he enjoyed being involved in Bible Study Fellowship and made many friends there. His church family was such an important part of his weekly life.

Harley was the oldest of three siblings. He is survived by his sister Sarah (Marc) Anderson, Diana (Paul) Rebholz. The siblings remained close through frequent joint vacations, long phone calls, sports rivalries, and many quick visits.

Harley married his devoted wife, Mary, on August 25, 1993. A loving husband of almost 33 wonderful years. They enjoyed planning trips and traveling, visiting out of state friends and family, playing many board/ card games, dancing, and hosting many "get-togethers." Together, they supported a beautiful family and created a lifetime of treasured memories.

Harley was a doting and loving father to Lisa (James) Line (Bloomfield, MI), Lynn Davis (Sugarland, TX), and Dean Davis (Lake Orion, MI). Mary's children are Steve (Connie) Patterson (Kalkaska, MI), Jeff (Sue) Patterson (Golden City, MO). Harley will be remembered by the kids for his tender heart, unending generosity, amazing laugh, and the many fun memories they had together.

He was the loving grandfather of Rachel (Nick) Ozechowski, Bethany (Scott) Klunder, Jared Line, and Joshua Line. And Mary's grandchildren Steven, Alisa, Christina, Scott, Josh, Amber, Jeffery, Laurea (Patterson). And the proud great-grandfather of 19.

Harley is preceded in death by his parents, Dean (1957) and Leone (2000). Also preceded by stepson Jim Patterson (2016), and brother-in-law Marc Anderson (2020.) More recently preceded by his grandchildren Jerimiah & McKenna Patterson (2025). Jerimiah came to live with his grandparents when he was two-years old.

Harley took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed the many visits, golf matches, and trips he was able to have with them. You could always find Harley on a golf course; his passion for golf started when he was young and continued as long it was warm outside. He could turn any event into a memorable experience for all around him. He was proud to help anyone, especially loved ones in need.

He was always ready with fatherly wisdom [we called them Harley-isms], to retell an old story and get the room of people to have a good time. Among some of our favorite Harley-isms were: "in life grab all the good times you can and praise the Lord for them," "you're not playing with kids in the alley," "I've done that twice, for the first and last time," "I was born at night, but not last night," "Went right in and out of gimme range."

Harley's kindness, humor, and unwavering love for life will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of love, laughter, and integrity will live on through his family and friends forever. Cheers!

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Harley A. Davis will be held on Saturday, March 7th, at Creekside Christian Church, 35531 Utica Rd Clinton Township, MI 48035 ([email protected]), (586) 792-5251. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to [Crossroads Care Center (Auburn Hills, MI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals through childbirth (crossroadscarecenter.org).] And also, [Bible Study Fellowship (bsfinternational.org).]