William Raymond “Bill” Davis, 96, of Fort Smith, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at his home. He was born January 7, 1925 in Van Buren to the late Willie and Opal (Doggins) Davis. He was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a civil engineering degree, and was a retired engineer for Whirlpool. Bill enjoyed laughing, joking, flying airplanes, designing and engineering, traveling, and gardening. Bill authored three published books.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma J. Buell; a son, James “Jim” Davis; a son-in-law, Leroy Morgan; a granddaughter, Erica; and a grandson, Dylan.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Davis of the home; three daughters, Judy Lynn Morgan of Lake Havasu, AZ, Donna Ridener and husband Jason of Black Mount, NC, and Merilee Nelke and husband Johnnie of Fort Smith; two sons, Jeffery Davis and wife Linda of Dallas, and Bobby Randels and wife Cheryl of Barling; a daughter-in-law, Lorraine Davis of Lusby, MD; eleven grandchildren, James (Debra), Shari, Mike (Allison), Sandy (Matt), Sierra (Kizer), Shelby, Lexi, Layla, Drake, Ashtin, and Addee; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Daisy, Hanna, Jessie, Bryan, Wyatt, Wesley, Shyla, Anna, Hazel, Cayden, Wyatt, Laramie, Tucker, and Hazen.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Pallbearers will be Jim Walgren, Mike Walgren, Bobby Randels, Johnnie Nelke, Drake Nelke, and Kizer Sebo. Wyatt Dufresne and Larry Tate will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Hospice at 1401 South Waldron Road, Suite 201, Fort Smith, 72903 or to any animal shelter of your choice.
