Robert Wayne Davis

Robert W. Davis (1930 – 2015) passed away quietly this morning in the home he shared with Mary his loving wife of 55 years. Robert leaves two children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren and a vast assortment of St. Mary of the Visitation friends to continue the Lord’s work on this Earth. Robert was born and raised in Oakland, CA, served two years in the Army, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In 1957 he graduated from San Jose State with a degree in mathematics and then taught at Riverside Poly High School. Robert went into computer programming in 1959 with a startup company Systems Development Corporation (SDC) in Santa Monica, CA. before transferring to Paramus, NJ. He met and married Maria Guarraia in 1960, had two children; Jacqueline and Stephen and then promptly moved back to California. Thousand Oaks, CA provided a good home for the family of four before setting up permanent residence in Huntsville, Alabama in 1972. Robert was an active software developer and manager. His work involved software systems for NASA, US Air Force, Ballistic Missile Defense, Military Intelligence, Space Lab, and many others. Robert enjoyed competitive racquetball and handball when he could find suitable players, and did his part as basketball coach and Cub Scout troupe leader. Robert retired from TRW in 1995. His life during retirement included traveling with his wife and family. Robert’s most memorable travel destinations included the Millennium cruise around the Gulf of Mexico with his wife, children, grandchildren, and Evelyn his mother, and the extended family trip to Sicily in 2005. Robert enjoyed gardening and has a beautiful and extensive garden at his home. He was an avid reader and card player. He did some limited volunteer work at Huntsville Hospital and the Senior Center, and was an available friend and mentor to all who asked. He will be missed. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at St. Mary of the Visitation Church at 222 Jefferson Street Huntsville, Al 35801 at 10:00 AM with a reception to follow at 11:30 AM. The family will receive friends from 9 am til service time at the church.