Wallace Martin Davis

ADVANCE - In memory of Wallace Martin Davis, a resident of Bermuda Run for 33 years, who passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 7, 2006, at Forsyth Medical Center. A dedicated family man, his love for the U.S. Navy was only eclipsed by his love for his family. Born an only child to Walter Ellis and Jennie Christiansen Davis in Eagle Grove, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 1919, he married Lucille E. Peppers, his childhood sweetheart, on March 6, 1943. This began a marriage of enduring love and mutual respect, defined by a bond that only grew stronger over its 63 years. He was a graduate of the University of Chicago and attended Midshipmen's School at Northwestern University. He was an accomplished musician and Concert Master of his college orchestra. Wally was a man of great intellect and passionate views - always prepared for an informed debate, but always respectful of his interlocutor and always with a twinkle in his eye. A man of love for his family, he opened his arms to spouses and relatives, and welcomed strangers into his home. As his family grew, his happiness grew with it. His nine grandchildren will remember him fondly, each convinced that their relationship with Wally was the most special. He made sure that each grandchild felt that way, and this was his special gift. Five days after his wedding, he shipped out to serve in the South Pacific during World War II, where he fought as a gunnery officer and navigator in major naval engagements, among them Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. His active duty profoundly affected his commitment to national service, and after his active duty he continued to distinguish himself in the Naval Reserve, where he earned the rank of Commander and was among the first Group Commanders in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following the war, Wally joined College Inn Foods, the largest chicken packer in the United States, where he became Senior Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. Subsequent to the sale of the company to RJR Foods, he assumed various senior executive responsibilities for many of the brands owned by the company. In retirement he was President of the Triad Retired Officers Association and President of Holy Family Seniors. He was an avid collector of rare nautical antiques, which he meticulously restored to their original state and displayed for the enjoyment of others. Wally was a man who made a difference by his deed and by his manner. He will be remembered fondly not only by his family, but by all who had the honor of meeting this unique and honorable patriot. He was a shining example of how to live a life. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Elizabeth Davis; his children, Wallace Jr. (and wife Prema), Judy, William (and wife Barbara), Mary (and husband John Wilson), Don (and partner Lyman Collins) and Nancy (and husband Monte Mallin); nine grandchildren; four grandsons-in-law, six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Gollwitzer; and five beloved nieces, nephews and their families. Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the Rev. Father Brian Cook officiating. Interment with military honors at Westlawn Gardens of Memory will follow. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. today at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel. The family requests that memorials may be made to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, (www.nmcrs.org) or the Holy Family Building Fund, P.O. Box 130, Clemmons, NC 27012.