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Keith Davis Obituary
December 9, 1935 - March 2, 2025
AUBURN - Keith A. Davis, of Auburn, NY, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 89. Keith was born December 9, 1935, in Scranton, PA, the third of four children born to William and Lucille Davis. After graduating from high school, he knew he wanted to go to college, but it would be a financial struggle. To achieve this goal, he joined the United States Air Force, training and working as a radio operator on a KC-97 Refueling plane.
After his military service, Keith took advantage of the GI Bill educational benefit and attended the University of Scranton. His determination to succeed allowed him to hold down a full-time job while earning his History degree. He also met and fell in love with Miss Marion Jurnack, who became Mrs. Marion Davis in August 1961.
Keith was offered a position at Weedsport Central School, where he spent the next 29 years as a Global Studies teacher. Over the course of his career, he taught scores of students. He retired from Weedsport in 1992, but years later, he would remember his time there fondly, telling stories and recollecting conversations that he'd had with school colleagues and some of his more memorable students. He was also a fan of high school sports, most notably football. He could be seen attending many Weedsport games and cheering for the home team. His love of the sport never faded, and he enjoyed attending the state championships. He also always enjoyed running into former students while out and about in public. Even years later, he always remembered the student, just as the student remembered him, and they would take a moment to catch up with each other and find out what they'd been up to since the last time they'd seen one another.
Keith was a man of deep faith and an active parishioner of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church for over 60 years, having converted to Orthodoxy when he was married. He lived a life of kindness and generosity, always caring for his neighbors and friends. Above all, Keith loved his family dearly.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marion Davis (Jurnack); his three siblings, Irene, Madeline, and James; his sons Paul Davis (Amy Armstrong) and Gregory Davis; Gregory's wife, Ashley; and their son Benjamin Davis. One of Keith's greatest joys was being a grandfather to Benjamin, with whom he shared a special bond. Keith's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to those he loved will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy as an educator, mentor, and family man will live on in the many lives he touched.
Friends are invited to call Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 30 Cross St., Auburn. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Half Acre.
Arrangements are by the Plis Funeral Home. To leave a message or condolence go to www.plisfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Davis
Sponsored by Plis Funeral Home, Inc. - Auburn.
Tim Button
March 15, 2025
Such fond memories of Mr. D from 48 years ago. Great discussions in history classes and his genuine concern for us as students AND people. Always supported us academically and emotionally. A great fan of our HS athletic teams. I was fortunate to have a "mini-reunion" with him at a Weedsport B-ball game years ago, and understood AGAIN what a quality man he was.
Kevin McCarthy
March 14, 2025
Keith was a big influence in my life! I never had him as an educator, but worked side by side with him at Auburn Beverage many years ago.
His "big brother" advice for some reason caught my ear and assisted me throughout my life.
He will be remembered as a good man!
Theresa (Simkulet) Dutton
March 13, 2025
Fly High Mr Davis, you were not only my best teacher but a friend during my High School years.
Will always honor and love you.
Patricia Pichany~Mapley
March 12, 2025
Mr. Davis was a wonderful teacher, who cared about the students. He even made Shakespeare understandable and interesting.
I would see him from time to time and we would chat about our families and the good old days. He was a dear friend and bowling buddy of my dad´s (Ray Pichany).
Sympathies to Mrs. Davis and Family.
Mark Mietz
March 12, 2025
Sorry to hear the passing of Mr Davis, Fifty years ago I was new to the area and not big on world history which he understood. But he made me feel welcome and comfortable in his classroom. I had the upmost respect for him. Years later we would reunite while he would support the "Warriors " on Friday nights under the lights. Truly an outstanding man. RIP
Patricia Flanigan Phillips
March 12, 2025
Mr. Davis was the best teacher one of my favorites for sure while attending WCS. My condolences
to his family and friends.
Francis and Mary Beth Gross
March 11, 2025
Fond memories of Keith "Mr Davis" at Weedsport High School, a wonderful teacher and mentor
Mary Balch
March 11, 2025
I always enjoyed it when Keith and Marion joined our lunches. Keith always added to our conversations especially if it had anything to do with history. He will be missed!
Roger Button
March 11, 2025
Mr. Davis, as I addressed him in high school, I believe to be my favorite teacher. He got it when we goofed off. We used to talk about things that most teachers would not be bothered with. Even after graduation in 1968 we would see each other in Wegmans and talk like ole buddies. He truly was a special man with genuine concern for his students. Thanks Mr. Davis
Frank Yorio
March 11, 2025
So sorry to hear fo Keith's passing. We were colleagues at WCS. Keith was an exceptional person and teacher. Always a smile and a pleasant greeting when ever our paths crossed. And, yes, a huge supporter of WCS, even after retirement. My condolences to his family.
Laurie Applebee Updike
March 11, 2025
I've been dreading this. He was a wonderful man. He was a great teacher! I will treasure his memory.
Pam Sayles Bochenek
March 11, 2025
Always one of my favorite teachers. Always fun , kind, and interesting.
Marcia Butler
March 11, 2025
Mr. Davis was amazing history teacher. RIP in peace Mr. Davis
Norine Tripp Kittell
March 11, 2025
To Mr.Davis's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss he was a great person, he always made class interesting.
Wayne bibbens
March 11, 2025
Mr Davis was my weedsport high school teacher and bowling fan.
Jody Sage Courtemanche Class of 1970
March 11, 2025
My condolences go out to the Davis family. Mr. Davis was always a favorite teacher. Part of that was because he treated his students with respect and friendliness even outside the classroom. He will be sadly missed.
Kathy Streeter Mietz
March 11, 2025
Mr. Davis was a teacher so many of us liked while we were going through the crazy years of HS. He made history interesting and fun to learn. We looked forward to his class not dreading it like some subjects. After he retired, many of us saw him around school often and I saw him at my son´s 2004 regular season games and the Class D State Championship games in the Dome. He was liked by so many and will be missed by so many also. RIP Mr. Davis. Thank you for making those HS years special in your class.
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