William Veigh "Bill" Davis

1938 - 2022

William Veigh "Bill" Davis

December 29, 1938 - December 14, 2022

William Veigh "Bill" Davis, 83, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Elke, by his side Wednesday morning, December 14, 2022, at Southwest Montana Veterans Home.

Bill was born in Norwood, Colorado on December 29, 1938, to William L. and Donis (Cockrum) Davis. He was one of eight children. Bill grew up in Butte, having moved here in the 3rd grade. He graduated from Butte High School.

He joined the Military in 1956 where he served in the Airforce for 10 years and then the Army for an additional 10 years. He served for 20 years total, with three tours in Vietnam, finally retiring in 1976.

Bill met Elke Grote in 1972 in Soegel, Germany. They were married on September 12, 1974, in Junction City, Kansas. Bill became the father of Elke's three sons, Thomas B. Grote, Bernd Grote, and Michael Grote. From 1976-1978 he worked with his father at Napa Auto Part Store in Truckee, California.

In 1978 Bill, Elke and the boys moved to Butte until 1982 when they moved to Germany. Bill worked in Bremerhafen for Civil Services until they moved back to Sierra Vista, Arizona in 1986. Bill and Elke enjoyed working together in the flower shop, the Posie Express, where Elke worked as the manager.

In 1993 they moved back to Butte after Bill had his 1st heart attack and triple bypass, to be with his family. They enjoyed Montana until they decided to move to Waddell, Arizona to escape the cold weather in 2010. Due to health issues, they then moved back to Butte where he would live out his days near his family. March 9, 2021, he was the very first resident of the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte. He was welcomed by the Governor of Montana and other state officials.

Bill liked fishing, camping, reading, watching the news on TV, and leathercraft. His biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, kids, and his wife.

He was a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his brother's Joe, Dan, Vaughn, and his sister Nikki.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elke, four sons, two daughters, his sister and two brothers, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A special thanks to the staff at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home for taking great care of Bill during his nearly 2 years of residency. Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Southwest Montana Veterans Home.