Owen Bradley Davis

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow!" - Hunter S Thompson
On Sunday November 9, 2025, Owen Davis proudly exclaimed "Wow!" as he walked on new legs across eternity into the arms of Jesus. He ditched his wheelchair that had held him these past two years for legs and wings.
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 20, 1964, to Dianne Gala (Priester) and Glenn Eugene Davis. He was immediately nicknamed "Big O" not because he was large but because his father loved nicknames and this one stuck all his life.
From a young age any spherical object be it football, softball or golf ball was Owen's favorite accessory. Owen was a huge Michigan fan. At an early age he was a part of the family business of parking cars during Michigan Game Days for $1 a car which his father insisted was a fair rate. Owen was also an avid Lions and Tigers fan who could pull any stat from memory in the snap of a finger. In High School he worked as a Baseball Umpire, for Ann Arbor Parks and Rec where his biggest fans were his parents who attended all his games cheering for Big O the Umpire.
A 1982 graduate of Gabriel Richard High School, Owen played baseball, basketball and football for the Irish. At Gabriel Richard he formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Known for his fun spirit, he and best friend Chris Decker would impersonate Jake and Elwood Blues as the Blues Brothers during his High School assemblies. Upon moving to Whitmore Lake Owen found his love of boating. During the summer if you wanted to see Owen, you had to meet him at his dock otherwise it was "see you in October!". Along with his first mate and devoted wife Cheryl they entertained adults and kids on Whitmore Lake all summer long.
In the Winter months Owen organized the annual "Milk Jugg Curling Competition – Yes it's a thing!" where the competition was fierce for the trophy and a year bragging rights to the championship! "Stay Calm and Sweep On!" was the battle cry.
When the founder of the annual Summer Solstice cruise retired, he tapped 'O' to take the helm and ensure the tradition of Summer Solstice Celebrations continued on Whitmore Lake. 'O' also started the Couples Hot Nine Golf competition. Ever the party master Owen loved to make people smile. His bonfires by the lake were legendary topped only by the stories he told while mastering the perfectly roasted marshmallow.
Owen is now reunited with his parents, Glenn and Dianne Davis, his brother Glenn, his son Nicholas and his brother-in-law Mark Staley. We can only imagine laughs and stories they are now sharing together – "some may not be true – but they actually happened"
Owen dubbed his wife Cheryl, "the lovely and talented one". Cheryl, along with their children Max, Micheal and granddaughter Lily will carry on as he would want; they know his love surrounds them always.
Other family members who were blessed to know him - include his sister Carrie (Steve) Childerston, brother-in-law Brian (Megan) Staley, sister-in-law Stephanie (Kevin) Oberholtzer and in-laws Dennis and Jan Staley. He leaves a giant hole in our lives.
For those of us here on this side of the great divide we mourn the loss of his smile, his love and his joy that no matter what the situation was always with him. The last 2 years have brought great challenges, but he met each situation with an attitude of "we've got this – so let's roll."
We will, as Owen so brilliantly expressed, "smile through our tears" as we celebrate his life and memory.
We will gather to raise a glass at "A Toast for O" on Sunday December 7th, 2025, from 2-6pm at Captain Joes in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. If you plan to attend make sure you are present at the "Toast to O" by 3pm to enjoy the remarks and official toast by family and friends.