William N. Davis

William Neil Davis, age 79, passed away on March 4, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1947, in Detroit to the late William S. Davis and Annis Virginia (Cotter) Davis.

Bill was a 1966 graduate of Hazel Park High School. After working briefly following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country stateside with honor during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. A proud veteran, Bill carried that sense of service and camaraderie throughout his life.

In 1973, he met Mary Ann Rehe on a blind date-a meeting that would change both of their lives. They were married September 27, 1974, at the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak. Together, they built a loving home in Ferndale for 26 years before moving to Auburn Hills in 2000.

Bill began his career in 1970 at Consumers Power (later Consumers Energy) He became a member of the Utility Workers Union of America. After his transfer to Pontiac in 1986, he was a member of the Michigan State Utility Workers Union Local 105. After 32 years of dedicated service, Bill retired. Never one to sit still, he later worked with Performance Driven Workforce, where he participated in new vehicle testing and test driving-a perfect fit for someone who truly loved cars, especially classic cars. While he enjoyed golfing and fishing, his passion for automobiles always came first. He also loved being outdoors, riding his John Deere mower, tending to his yard, and simply enjoying the fresh air.

Bill was a longtime member of the American Legion, first with the Berkley Post and, since 2000, with American Legion Post #143 Hill-Gazette in Auburn Hills, where he previously served as Sergeant of Arms.

Above all, Bill treasured his family.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Ann Davis; loving father of Virginia "Ginny" (Wayne) Pennington; cherished grandfather of Lydia (Joe) Pearcy, Sabrina Pennington, and Will Pennington; proud great-grandfather of Freya and Ronin Pearcy; and dear brother of Dennis "Denny" (Bernadette) Davis and Valinda (Bob) Rocheleau.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to American Legion Post #143 Hill-Gazette, 96 Churchill Rd., Auburn Hills, 48326.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.