William Alton Davis

William "Bill" Alton Davis, 87

Williamsport, IN - William "Bill" Alton Davis, age 87 of Williamsport, IN died at 2:45 a.m. CST at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

Bill was born on August 4, 1926 in Grant Township, IL He was the son of Homer and Ruth (Slater) Davis. He attended Ambia Schools and previously lived in Boswell and Rainsville. He had lived in Williamsport since 1993. On October 13, 1945 he married Marilyn E. Boltz in Waynesville, MO. She survives.

Bill was a lifelong farmer, also raising hogs, in Boswell and Pence. He was a World War II veteran, 2nd infantry, armoured division of the Army. He was in the European theater landing in France and going on to Belgium. He served in the Battle of the Bulge and crossed the Rhine River. He received the rifleman 745, combat infantry badge, and rifle marksman medals overseas. He received 2 bronze stars, distinguished unit badge, and the victory medal of WWII. When the war ended, Bill ended up in Czechoslavakia. He was a member and past trustee of the Williamsport United Methodist Church and formerly a member of the Boswell United Methodist Church where he was also a past trustee. He was chairman of the Jordan Creek Conservancy District since 1970 and lifetime member of the VFW #3318.

Surviving are, 1 son, Terry Davis (wife: Sheryl) of Kentland, IN, 2 grandchildren, Matthew Davis (wife: Shelly) of Danville, IL (whom they raised) and Todd Davis of Sheldon, IL, 3 great-grandchildren, Jered Davis, Kaitley Davis and Kenna Davis.

Bill was preceded in death by 1 son, Thomas Davis on December 17, 1957; 2 brothers, Harold Davis and Donald Davis; and 3 sisters, Clellah Jackson, Dorothy Shepherd and Marian Hinman.

Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until service time at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Cathy McCoy officiating. Inurnment will be at 11:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL with full military honors. Online condolences may be made at www.gradyfuneralhome.com.