J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Davis, William T.

Monday, November 16, 2009

William Temple Davis, 80, of Hopewell, died Monday, November 16, 2009 at his home. Mr. Davis was born in Petersburg, VA and was the son of the late Fred Lee and Libbie Temple Davis. He served in the US Army and was the owner of Davis Candy Company and Burton Davis Florist, a past President of the Rotary Club, a member of the Saltwater Anglers, First Baptist Church, Board of Historic Hopewell Foundation, Crime Stoppers, and was the 1989 Virginia Retailers Association Retailer of the Year. He is survived by his wife, Martha Davis; two daughters, Adele Mansfield Davis Aycock and husband, Charles, of Murfreesboro, NC, and Susan Archer Davis Myers of Hopewell, four grandchildren, Charles Ray “Tripp” Myers III of Hopewell, Rebecca Adele Aycock of Memphis TN, McKenzie Davis Myers Crawford, of Hopewell, and William Charles Aycock of Richmond. A graveside funeral service will be held 2PM Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, VA. with The Rev. Preston Wagner, officiating. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Historic Hopewell Foundation, 603 Brown Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860, or Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Avenue, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23226. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

Dell and Susan
Just heard about the passing of your father. He was a very special man and gave so much to so many people. You both are like him and his memory will live on through you. He will be missed by many. May my thoughts and prayers as well as those of many who knew and loved him and your family comfort you and yours at this most difficult time.

Posted by: Melody Clary Bennett at November 26, 2009 07:36 AM

Martie,

We shall miss Billy at our Cobblestone get-togethers. Someone else said "Billy could light up a room with his presence". That was so true. I heard a great joke this week and I know he would have liked it. He always enjoyed the good jokes and was great at telling them. He certainly left his mark on this earth and our neighborhood.

Derrell and Brenda

Posted by: Derrell and Brenda Brockwell at November 25, 2009 12:54 AM

Dear Susan and Dell,
I am so sorry about your father's passing. I last saw him at Nancy's memorial service. He was as warm and friendly as ever. Growing up he always seemed like he was such a fun dad. I know you will miss him as I miss mine. Please accept my deepest sympathy, and know that you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sarah Ford Bland

Posted by: Sarah Ford Bland at November 23, 2009 10:12 AM

Susan and Marti

I will forever miss Billy yelling out Tametha in Randolph Market for everyone to hear. He always made me smile. I loved staying at the house when ya went away. Just know if you need us for anything please call. I loved working with Billy at Burton Davis. We always had a great time.

Posted by: Tammy Dunbar Anderson at November 22, 2009 06:12 PM

Marty and Family,

I am so sorry to learn of Billy's passing. He had a love of life and always looked for humor to make our days more joyful. May fond memories ease the days a keep his memory alive. I am grateful I was able to see you both in happier times during my visit in June. Much love.

Posted by: Cathy Fortuna at November 21, 2009 09:07 PM

Marty/Susan, While I haven't seen Billy in several years, I will always remember his warm smile whenever he would see you. May you both remember the good times and his sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Posted by: Mary Ann White at November 20, 2009 08:17 AM

Marty and Family,
Judy and I send our sincere sympathy. I will remember Billy as one who could light up a room with a warm welcome feeling wherever he was. My first memory of meeting Billy was almost seventy years ago as I was a member of his Aunt Rebecca's Jack and Jill Kindergarten. Our class was taken on a field trip to the "Davis Garden", as I remember it being next door to the Davis home on West Broadway. Billy and his cousin Artie Shelby led the tour of the beautiful garden. Just two weeks ago I shared with Billy that memory that I have never forgotten. Judy and I will miss that cordial host that Billy was the best.

Posted by: Paul Karnes at November 18, 2009 02:40 PM

No one had more fun in life than Billy. His quick wit was legendary as was his love of his friends, family and his dedication to his community. Billy's jokes,and of course, his amazing limericks will be carried on by his grandchildren for generations....just the way he wanted it.
A life well lived Mr.Davis.... thanks for being a part of mine. May God Bless the Davis family in this difficult time.

Posted by: Mark Haley at November 18, 2009 01:29 PM

May you find the courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you today. At this time of sorrow may these truths sustain you.....your loved one will always be as close as a memory
and the God of all comfort is always as close as a prayer. It will be the little things that you will remember the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memory of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again.
I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.-2Timothy 4:7. As for me, I will lie down that I may sleep; I shall certainly awake, for Jehovah himself keeps supporting me. -Psalms 3:5

Posted by: Magallon Family at November 18, 2009 12:19 PM

Susan and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Although I never met your father, he was well-known and respected in the community. I wish I could take away some of the pain you feel now. If you got your sense of humor from him, you are very blessed, indeed.

Posted by: Rosie Locke at November 18, 2009 10:58 AM

Dear Susan,

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I remember his sweet smile in disposition so well. May God keep you and give you peace during this time. May you relish his memory forever.

Posted by: patricia coury hartman at November 17, 2009 11:05 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss. Billy's smile and humor will remain with all of us. He was an inspiration to follow on "how to live our lives" - Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Mike "Bobo" Gilmore, Bangkok at November 17, 2009 10:21 PM

Martie and family,
How happy we were when in 2007 we were welcomed to Cobblestone by our new neighbors, Billy and Martie Davis. What good times we had at their river front cottage each year and our neighborhood get-togethers. We shared many happy times over coffee and holiday celebrations. Memories of happy days when we were all together will last forever.
WE will cherish the loving family you left behind.
George and Sara

Posted by: George and Sara Stamos at November 17, 2009 01:10 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I have known Billy for over 55 years. We used to live next to each other on Ivor Street. He was a good friend and neighbor and helped me with odd jobs to make spending money when I was a teenager. I will remember his wit, good sense of humor, and his quick smile. He will be sorely missed.

A.B. Connelly

Posted by: A. B. Connelly at November 17, 2009 11:22 AM

Dear Marty, Susan, Dale & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Billy. My heart goes out to you. God will definitely have a new angel & one that will make him laugh! I feel so fortunate to have known such a great man & I know you will miss him as will many. I'm so glad that my family had the chance to meet him. My deepest sympathy and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much Love-Sydney

Posted by: Sydney Baber Kelly at November 17, 2009 09:20 AM

We will all miss Billy and will never forget how wonderful we felt when we were in his presence. He was a gracious host, had an ability to share his true inner thoughts and a silly streak a mile wide! I thank God for his life and for the Davis family. His spirit will always be with us.

Posted by: David Shelby at November 17, 2009 08:51 AM

Marty/Susan and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Billy. He was such a fun person always making you laugh. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers

Posted by: Pat Carnesi at November 16, 2009 07:57 PM

Susan and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know this is a very difficult time for all of you and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help. May God comfort and be with you and your family.

Posted by: Stephanie Lynn Ellis at November 16, 2009 03:40 PM