William “Bill” Davis, age 84 of Forest City died Thursday, January 26, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia.  Bill was a son of the late Frank L and Mary A Davis.

Bill was born in Baton Rouge, but spent most of childhood in Auburn, AL as the son of an Auburn professor.   In Auburn, he was a bike courier delivering daily papers and later became interested in photography and electronics.   While attending Auburn, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and part time photographer.   While working a Chi Omega sweetheart dance, he met and photographed the love of his life.   After graduating with an Industrial Relations degree in 1960, Bill entered the textile industry and moved to North Carolina.   He relocated to Forest City in 1969 where he and Mary Anne raised two boys.   Bill enjoyed woodworking, supporting Boy Scout programs, youth baseball, swim team and shooting sports.   He enjoyed time with his sons riding dirt bikes.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed playing bridge, woodworking, tool shopping with friends and traveling with Mary Anne.   He sang in the church choir and served on several church committees. Bill served as a mentor for the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation for several years.

In 2018, Bill moved to an assisted living facility in Richmond, VA to receive care for his diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Anne Gillis Davis in 2016.

Survivors include his sons, Dr. Keith Davis of Pinehurst, York Davis of Richmond, VA and his wife, Kim Hunt Davis, four grandchildren, Weston of Pinehurst with his wife, Marci O’Donnell Davis, Evan Davis of Denver, CO, Hunter Davis of Atlanta, GA, and Haley Davis of Durham, NC

A memorial service will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Curtis Goforth officiating.  Visitation will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  Inurnment will be private for the immediate family in the church columbarium.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043; The Hydrocephalus Association (https://www.hydroassoc.org/give/)

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com