H. William (Bill) Davis passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017 at age 93. Bill was born February 13, 1924 in Hutchinson, Kansas and attended schools there before enrolling at the University of Kansas. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Army Air Corps. He became an avid Jayhawk sports fan for the rest of his life. In February of 1943, he was called to active duty and served as a B-25 pilot with the 310th Bomber Group in Italy. Prior to his deployment, he married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Westrick, who predeceased him in 1984. Upon discharge from service in 1946, he returned to KU and graduated with a business degree in 1948. Bill and Katy then moved to Tulsa where he began a 35-year career with Merrill Lynch, during which he was a broker and in management in Tulsa, Baton Rouge, and Austin, Texas. In 1980, he retired in Tulsa to enjoy his family and friends and life at the "ranch" with his horses. In 2001, Bill married Suzy Collins Patton, who died in 2013. Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, where he served as a deacon, trustee, and a member of the Helping Hands committee. Bill was also the scoutmaster of Troop 1 for twelve years during which time, 66 boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In 2004, 33 of his Eagle Scouts returned to Tulsa to honor Bill on his 80th birthday.
Bill's oldest son, Lawrence W. Davis, M.D. predeceased Bill in May of 2016. Bill is survived by his other son, Philip H. Davis and his wife Meghan, daughter -in-law Judith B. Davis, his grandchildren Brad Davis and his wife Tiffany of Dallas, Scott Davis and his wife Macie of Oklahoma City, Matthew Davis and his wife Melinda of Frisco, TX, Sam Davis of Tulsa and his "Super Granddaughter" Jessica Highfill and her husband Brian, and 9 great grandchildren who have all known and loved their Grandpa Bill.
Bill has requested any contributions be made to Helping Hands at the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa.
Memorial service will be 12 Noon, Saturday, October 21, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church-Tulsa, 709 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233