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Matthew Davis Obituary
Williamston
Matt Davis died February 3, 2016. Those who knew and loved him already miss his thoughtfulness, keen intellect, bravery and—most of all—his generous heart.
A native Ohioan, Matt grew up in Worthington amid a caring family and tight-knit group of friends. He graduated from Worthington High School in 1982 and from The Ohio State University in 1990. While at OSU, he served as editorial page editor for the school's newspaper, the Lantern. There, he cultivated his skills as a journalist who will long be remembered for his curiosity and integrity—as well as his lifelong love of All Things Buckeye.
During Matt's journalism career, he worked at the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, New York; the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Detroit Free Press. In 1997, Matt went to work for the State of Michigan, serving as communications director for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He continued to work in state government while he pursued a J.D. from Cooley Law School, which he obtained in 2004. Matt ended his career as a noted attorney specializing in civil rights, election and campaign finance law.
While Matt was proud of his professional accomplishments, he would tell you his greatest achievement was marrying Penny (Bismack) Griffin in 2001. Together they and their three children Zachary, Henry and Katherine, built a home filled with laughter and love.
Matt is profoundly missed by his immediate family and an extraordinarily wide circle of friends and colleagues. Matt is also mourned by his mother, Carol (Black) Davis, father Clifton Davis, sister Victoria Davis, and nephews Monty and Devon. He is also missed by his parents-in-law, Charles and Patricia Bismack, and sisters-in-law Holly Socha and Heather (Harland) Haugen, nieces Jamie and Erin Socha, and nephews Jesse and Jacob Haugen.
Visitation is Friday, Feb. 5 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston. Times are 4:00-8:00 pm, with the rosary prayed at 7:30 pm.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williamston, where Matt was a faithful parishioner, on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11:00 am. Fr. Mark Rutherford will be officiating. St Mary's is located at 157 High Street, Williamston, MI. Luncheon will follow in the church's Activity Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, suite #307, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Davis
Thomas Stevens
February 22, 2016
Although I can't say when I last saw Matty D (maybe 1982), he is thought of often. He was a caring and sincere friend while growing up in Colonial Hills. Many fond memories with the Davis family. I did not know until recently how much I learned from Matt. Thank you for being my friend.
Darren Burnham
February 18, 2016
I hadn't seen Matt for many years and am sad to learn of his passing. I remember him from a very young age in Colonial Hills and realize now how much I and the other kids in The neighborhood really looked up to him. I saw him every few years before losing touch and I recall how he was always so happy to catch up. Reading his Obit I see how he left the same impression on many others in his life and it makes me smile. My sympathies.
Jessica
February 13, 2016
Was a pleasure to help and take care of you! Will truly be missed!
Elaine Pogoncheff
February 10, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. He was a colleague at LCC who was always happy to help out and give guidance. I enjoyed working with him - he was kind and generous as a person. My prayers are with you and the whole family.
SUSANNAH SHIPMAN
February 9, 2016
I will always think of Matt with a smile. He had such an impact on my childhood and my wonderful days at Colonial Hills. Thinking of you all with Love
Susannah Shipman
Wendy Rupright-Springer
February 5, 2016
My brother, Chris, and I have many fond memories of your wonderful, kind Matt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff Hartgen
February 5, 2016
Penny, Zach, Henry and Kate: I am very sorry to hear of Matt's loss. I first remember meeting him driving to a primary night event -- not sure how I wound up driving a Buckeye, but he was always funny and razor smart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Don and Susie Crandall
February 5, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
February 5, 2016
Offering my deepest sympathy. May every sunrise hold more promise, every moonrise hold more peace. May God's word strengthen your family to endure times like this.. Jeremiah. 29:11, 12. God says "For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,' thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
The McCutcheon's
February 4, 2016
God's peace and blessings to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Griffin
February 4, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amanda R
February 4, 2016
Our prayers for peace and comfort are with your family.
Jackie Braschel
February 4, 2016
My love & prayers to all of Matt's family. While I hadn't seen or corresponded with Matt since Foster Ave., I hold fond childhood memories of him. Know he is at peace, and know he wants the same for all of you.
Jim Hatch
February 4, 2016
Matt & my cousin Mike were very good friends, I had the opportunity to meet Matt on numerous ocasions. Matt was always a kind person & I had fun being around him. My prayers will be with the family. Matt is finally at peace with the lord. May God be with all family & friends over the months & years to come.
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Funeral services provided by:
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes205 East Middle Street, Williamston, MI 48895
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