William H. Davis Jr.
VIRGINIA BEACH- William Hazen Clay Davis Jr., 79, passed away on September 20, 2008. was predeceased by his wife, Florence “Flo” Mary Davis. Mr. Davis retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel and served during Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.
Joining the US Marine Corps before the end of the Korean War, Bill served over 25 years as a Marine. Starting at the bottom as a buck private and working his way up through the ranks; retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel of Artillery.
In addition to several seaside and overseas peacetime tours of duty, Bill served a 13-month tour in Vietnam were he earned a Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, a very prestigious award as he was a Major at the time. During his service of duty he was also awarded 15 medals, including the Victory Medal WWII and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
After retiring from the Marines and not content with retirement, Bill worked for several local plumbing businesses. He worked with the city of Portsmouth as an inspector with the Lead Paint Detection Program, and then transferred to the City of Newport News where he retired as a Codes Inspector. He often regaled his family with “sea stories” about his many years of adventures with often-irate citizens.
Bill was active in veteran’s organizations. He was a Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. He held several leadership rolls including 11 tours as Commandant in the John A. Lejeune Detachment of the Marine Corps in Virginia Beach and Tidewater Pound 126 of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. Bill also served as Judge Advocate at the state level for the Department of Virginia and Pack of Virginia.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he became an accomplished athlete from his earliest years; in high school he was a two-sport star. During his Marine Corp career; he became an avid and proficient golfer with a handicap of 10.
Lt. Col. Retired Davis is survived by four children, Joy Michelle Conner and her children, Raymond and Alice Marie Conner, Denise Adkins and husband Dennis, Dawn Howie and husband William and their children, Michael, Wesley and Jessica Howie, and William H. Davis III and wife Belinda Safford Davis; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm with the Marine Corps League of Virginia Beach according a special rite at 7:15pm. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 11:00am with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps League of Virginia Beach, PO Box 61462, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.
Condolences may be shared with the family at altmeyer.com
Bill was a Marine for the ages–Semper Fidelis and God Bless his family during this time of remembrance.
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your Mother. I remember seeing her at the basketball games last. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Sally Lynn
IF YOU AND YOURS NEED SOMEONE TO LEAN ON IN YOUR TIME OF NEED, PLEASE CALL UPON ME.
My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. I used to work with Willie and had the opportunity to meet Mr. Davis several times many years ago. The loss of a loved one is difficult, but rest assured he is in a better place.
David Shourds
Sorry for the loss of a good man who gave us some great family
The Davis Family:
I am in sincere deep remorse over our mutual loss of one of my best friends and your Father!!
MY MENTOR!!
MY Marine Corps Friend.
My “alter ego”!
And my “guidance and direction” advisor for 16 years.
A MAJOR loss to me!
But–will NEVER be forgotten!
Very Sincerely,
Albert G. Tase, Jr
Colonel, USMCR Ret
To the Davis Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of healing. May you all find comfort in sharing fond memories with one another and rejoicing in the grand memories he bestowed upon you all.