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William Davis Obituary
WILLIAM E. "BILL" DAVIS
1928-2008
He graduated from Catholic High School in 1945, graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkingston Campus) in 1948, and the Florida Police Academy in 1951.
He excelled in baseball and football while attending Catholic High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
In 2001, he was voted into the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Athletic Hall of Fame. He played semi-professional baseball for the Fitzgerald, GA Pioneers, and the Cincinnati Reds in Columbia, SC. He also played for the Pensacola Fighting Alumni (baseball) and the Pensacola Flyers (football). He was a member of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players.
He was a third generation law enforcement officer with Escambia County, FL, starting as a Deputy Sheriff in 1951. He was shot in the line of duty in 1954 during an incident involving a barricaded suspect. In 1960, he was elected Sheriff of Escambia County. When elected at the age of 33, he was the youngest Sheriff ever elected in the state of Florida. He was re-elected for an additional two terms.
During his tenure as Sheriff, he recognized the importance of maintaining an open line of communication with the public he served.
Some of the many accomplishments as Sheriff, he established the first of several programs such as the K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, Mobile Crime Scene Unit, Juvenile Division and the first School Safety Program. He opened Sub-Stations in Century and Pensacola Beach. He also established a Mounted Parade Posse entertaining many during local parades.
For many years, he assisted Father John Lacarri during the days of "Bellview Junction" performing Western Shootouts during "St. Ann's Roundup". He was active in many civic and charitable organizations including the Ensley Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club and Shiner's Temple. He coached little league softball and baseball, was very active with orphaned and disadvantaged children where he maintained a mini-ranch to which he invited these and other children to interact with the animals having picnics and hayrides, and he founded the West Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department.
Following his tenure as Sheriff, he opened the Branding Iron Steak and Lobster Ranch Restaurant, which he operated until 1975, and in 1984 he owned and operated Davis Investigations, a private Investigative Firm. In 1987 he owned Pine Forest Adult Elderly Care Facility.
He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin Davis, his father and mother Roland E and Winnie A Davis, his brothers Roland Davis Jr., and Otis Davis, and his sisters Betty Raby and Martha Pinnese.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda, his son William E Davis Jr, (Sandy), his daughters Sally Spencer (Randy), Ramona Szuch (Kenny), Karen Gray (Kevin), Paula Porto (Kerry) and "a very special daughter" Vera Allen and their mother Effie Davis. Grandfather "PawPaw" to Summer and Todd King, Devin and Jill Spencer, William E Davis III (Trey), Alana Davis, Sarajane Szuch, Harrison Szuch, Georgia Szuch, Logan Szuch, Caroline Szuch, and Preston Szuch, Bruce Padilla, II, Katelynn Porto, Mitchell Porto, and Annamarie Porto. He was Great-Grandfather to Courtney, Kaylee, and Kenna King, Isabella, Tyler and Elizabeth Spencer. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara NeSmith (Buddy) and Janie Seibert (Malcolm).
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 Friday, April 25, 2008 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment, FL, with the Reverend William C. Heiden officiating. Interment will follow at Beulah Cemetery.
Serving, as pallbearers will be Members of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Cook, Lonnie Stone, Ray Wheat and Stan Friedman.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.
The family wishes to express special appreciation to the staff of the Specialty Center of Pensacola for the kind and loving care given to Bill during his stay, and to Covenant Hospice for their compassion and diligence during his last days.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North 1000 Highway 29 South Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Davis
HAMPTON E. GANDY III
January 12, 2019
HAMPTON E GANDYIII
BEVERLY FERRARO
May 1, 2008
(My heart goes out to all the family. Bill was a wonderful person, with a fantastic heart. He was always there to help anyone who needed a friend. I lost my husband in november, and know how the family feels. My husband and bill were good friends. May you all find peace somewhere along the line. Its very hard, but please try. God bless. Beverly Ferraro. (SALVADOR j fERRARO sR.)
Henry & Ronda Gray
April 28, 2008
Ramona & Kenny and Family,
We would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Remember there is no pain and tears in heaven. Your father is reunited with Kevin and there are making up for lost time. We will be thinking of you.
Sharon Olsen
April 28, 2008
My mother Virginia and I want to let all of you know how sorry we are and to express our condolences and sympathy. The last time we saw you was at my father's funeral--Winston Olsen. I remember Bill's election--going to channel 3, putting up signs with my father and Uncle Ott. BBQ's there on Pine Forest Road. Somehow, our families seems so large, but so close then, Aunt Ruby, Aunt Louie, Aunt Winnie, Mamma Flossie--they all helped keep the family ties strong. How life & the pace has changed-but I appreciate the internet and the ability to let you all know you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sharon Olsen & Virginia Olsen
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Doris Smith
April 26, 2008
To Bill's Family:
I grew up in Beulah with Bill's younger sisters, Martha and Barbara. I still remember going to their home playing and eating. Bill was older than us, but we looked up to him and admired him. I know that you have many precious memories of your life with him. We lost our mother Annie Cobb in September 2007, she was 90. She loved Bill too. The Davis family will always be remembered as good neighbors in Beulah. We all remember Bill and was very pround of him and for what he did for our commuinity. My love and prayers go out to each of you.
Doris Cobb Smith, 2008
Gary, Tina (Suggs), and Rhett James
April 26, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Det John Blakeney Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
April 26, 2008
Our Condolences and prayers to the Davis family.
April 25, 2008
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this time..... I remember my grandfather(Haze Cowick) always had stories to tell about the two of them getting into something!!!
The Haze Cowick Family
Joe Winstead
April 25, 2008
To the Davis family,
I am so sorry to learn of your father's passing, he was the best sheriff this county ever had. RIP Mr. Davis.
Kathy Fetsko
April 25, 2008
Bill, Jr.,
I am so sorry to hear about your daddy. I know what all you and your family have been through these past few years. Your dad was in the same facility for a while with my precious daddy (Ralph Chaudron). I know how much you miss him. It will be two years since daddy died and I miss him still like it was yesterday. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love 'ya,
Kathy (Chaudron) Fetsko
Gary Muller
April 25, 2008
Bill, Jr. and Sandy, Sally, and the Davis family:
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May God watch over you and ease your pain.
william parker
April 25, 2008
Bill, was always a good man, and a great friend. He will be missed by not only family, but by friends, and people he met while sheriff. He set the standard as to what a sheriff,and a great human being should be.My thoughts, and prayers are with all family, and friends.
Bobby Johnson
April 25, 2008
Summer,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. We all are here for you, and pray for comfort and peace.
love,
Pensacola Tractor & Equipment, and all employees.
Helen Dumas
April 25, 2008
Sally, I am Helen Dumas, taught you math at Woodham. I will always remember how great your parents were to help with anything that was needed at school. I pray God's peace for you and your family.
Judy McGilberry - Friery
April 25, 2008
Dear Ramona and Davis Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ramona we were blessed with wonderful dads, and now they are in heaven watching over us. Remember the times of black & white saddle oxfords,fire drills runs at red lights and weekends at the beach. Time has passed us by, but know that those special times as young girls are forever in my heart. My love to you all. Judy McGilberry Friery
Joyce Wilson-Hood
April 25, 2008
The entire family of the Robert Wilson {Bob} wishes you comfort and love .We always had deep respect for Bill.
Eric Gleaton
April 25, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Bill will be greatly missed. Let me know if you need anything.
Charles Trant
April 25, 2008
I will remember the fantastic boss you were and the times I have shared as you being my boss.
You showed me what it is like to have someone so exceptional to work for. It was definately a privilage,one that holds the memories close to my heart.
My thoughtsand prayers are with your family at this time May the memories they hold dear comfort them at this time.
Charles and Kathleen Trant
Larry & Diana Fordham
April 25, 2008
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Davis Family.
May the peace of the Lord give you comfort, peace and understanding.
Romans 8:28
Brenda Withers
April 25, 2008
Linda, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gordon & Jane Foster
April 25, 2008
Praying God's loving arms of comfort will be around all of you and you will find His amazing comfort. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Gordon and Jane Foster
Nicholas Gandy
April 25, 2008
May God bless you at this time of loss. May you find hope in Jesus Christ. Romans 12:12
Lynn, Jan, and Tami Toney
April 25, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Davis family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
DEANNA ROBINSON
April 25, 2008
LINDA,my condolences to you and your family.Now Bill will be protecting and keeping law and order in heaven.DEANNA ROBINSON
Barbara, Tommy, Laura, and Stephen Johnson
April 25, 2008
Ramona, Kenny and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ramona, I know I never get to see you but I think of you often. With fond memories of course!!
Gloria Mayne
April 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family.
Jack Kenney
April 24, 2008
My condolences to all family members. We all were privledged to know and love Bill Davis
Barbara Ard Richards
April 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Davis family during this difficult time.
I feel the pain with you, because I lost my dad, who was Bill's first cousin. My dad was Osey Ard (the son of Dan & Mary Davis Ard) and our family ALWAYS thought the world of Bill. You all probably remember my dad as the man who put down your water well, when we were all kids - he was the Ensley Pump Man.
My family had great respect and pride in Bill as a community leader; my dad always solicitated votes for him as he ran for Sheriff each time.
I remember my dad talking about going to his Uncle Roland and Aunt Winne's house as a child. (Do you guys remember Aunt Ruby? She was an awesome lady!) I remember going to so many of the Davis funerals as a child. (In particular our great grandma Davis' when she was buried across the street from Bill...and so many other family funerals/wakes.) Families stayed CLOSE back then, but times got busier and everyone went their own way. My grandmother, being a Davis, instilled into the Ard generation to love deeply and unconditionally. How blessed we all are to be taught by the Davis families.
Bill, may you rest in peace. I will always remember how you helped me get out of BIG fine as a sixteen year old teenager for running a stop sign. It was my FIRST week with my drivers license and I'll forever remember the words you spoke to me on the phone: "the sign says STOP, not SLOW, Barbara - so don't let that happen again." I didn't... I've gone another forty years of driving with a safe driving record.
:-)
May you all remember your dad/husband the way mine is remembered, missed and treasured daily.
God bless you all.
Bob Caristi
April 24, 2008
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
for some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
we'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
together with the Lord
Mr.Bill Davis....a good man...a good sheriff... and a good heart.Bill Davis gave me many breaks in my younger years and I never wil forget that. Thank youBill Davis and RIP God grant peace to the family.
The Richardsons
April 24, 2008
God give you all the strength to endure this time of sorrow now and always. We pray for you in Jesus' Name.
Buddy Meredith
April 24, 2008
My sympathy and prayers go out to you for your loss. Sheriff Davis was a great man and a commited defender of this county. He will be greatly missed. May God bring you comfort.
Gary Shelby
April 24, 2008
Sorry for you loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Myrtle Bailey
April 24, 2008
My sympathy and prayers to the Davis family, especially Barbara and Buddy NeSmith. May you find comfort and support among your many friends and family members. Myrtle Bailey
Eddie Cohron
April 24, 2008
Well wishes and sympathy to the Davis family.
Anna Inglett
April 24, 2008
To the Davis Family and especially Karen,
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember him like it was yesterday and his Elect Bill Davis, Sheriff was the only sign my father would allow on our property. Rest in Peace. God bless.
Rebecca Cobb
April 24, 2008
Dear Linda,
Im going to miss Bill "my buddy" more than anything. I enjoyed every day that ive taken care of him. He always made my days at work very special for me. I loved him like he was family. I will always cary you linda in my heart. You loved him very much and it always showed. If you need anything im hear for you.
Jimmy Brittain
April 24, 2008
Ramona and Kenny,
My prayers go out to you and your family, at this time of loss. Focus on the good times and memories.Jani and my thoughts are with you.
When things settle down, we would love to hear from you.
Jimmy Brittain '72 Rebel
Covington, GA
Jackie Johnson
April 24, 2008
Dear Ramona & Kenny,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I can only imagine your sense of loss. Although we haven't seen each other in many years, I have thought of you and your family many times over the years with fondness.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jackie Watson Johnson
Peggie Harrington
April 24, 2008
I wish that I could be there with all of you this week. I love you. I remember such great times we all had when we were kids, our families spending summers together on family vacations, fishing, swiming; spending Saturdays at Mama Winnies - May you hold on to your faith that by God's grace and His mercy we will all be together in happy times once again.
Marion Rich Miller
April 24, 2008
Our family is sorry to hear of your loss. The one thing I mention to people when we've talked about your father was his kindness and love he showed to my uncle who was in a wheelchair. He was an amazing man. I pray that God comforts all of you.
Melissa (Birkhimer)BenBouazza
April 24, 2008
I am so sorry for everyone's lose. I knew Bill from my mother, Gloria Birkhimer. She used to work as a PI for him. I remember that I used to call him Uncle Bill when I was little. I hope that everyone is doing ok. And if you need anything at all just let me know. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Curry
April 24, 2008
Bill and Sandy,
i'm so sorry for your loss, you both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darrell Webb
April 24, 2008
My heart goes out to the Davis family. He was a great Sheriff and a man among men. He hired me in 1969,and I still remember the kindness,he extended to me. My prayers go out to the entire family.
Jamie Mixon
April 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Davis family during this difficult time. Linda, if I can do anything, you know where I am.
Michelle Damio
April 24, 2008
My deepest sympathies go to Mrs. Davis and the rest of Mr. Bill's surviving family. I will always cherish the memories I have of visits when Mr. Bill shared the wisdom of his years with me through his stories and his incredible scrapbooks.
Carl Hall
April 24, 2008
Rest In Peace Bill
Ruthie Miller
April 24, 2008
Dear Sally & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. We haven't seen each other since our 20th reunion but, I have thought of you often. May you take comfort in knowing that your dad no longer suffers. All the best to you and yours.
Charlyne Kilpatrick
April 24, 2008
Sally and family, my heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time and I celebrate with you the remarkable life of your father and know that he is with our Father God. We will all be together again. All my love, Char
John Greathouse
April 24, 2008
Our condolences and prayers to the family and many friends,
John Greathouse & Family
Dickie Carr
April 24, 2008
I new Bill Davis back in the 60's as he was a friend of mine and Mr. Bert Ellis Sr. and Jr. I got to know little Bill and Sandy and love them very much. My heart goes out to all of the family during this sad time. Dickie Carr now living in New Orleans, La.
Bill Davis, Jr.
April 24, 2008
Dad,
I will always remember our time together, especially the days during your last months on earth.
I miss you Dad!
Your son, Bill,Jr.
Ellen Helton-Timo
April 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My condolences to the entire Davis family. Linda, if you need anything at all, please give me a call.
John Sanderson
April 24, 2008
Bill Jr., Sandy and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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