Obituaries

William K. “Bill” Davis

Bill Davis, 73, transitioned to his heavenly home on March 10, 2023.  He is preceded in death by his parents, William Judson Davis and Thelma Marie (Fields) Davis and his beloved dachshund, Katie Girl. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jennie; daughter, Tina Weigel (Bill) of Yorktown; son, Judson Davis (fiancée Stacie) of Garner, NC; and granddaughters, Kirstyn Barrows (John) of Richmond, and Miranda Weigel of Yorktown.

Bill was a lifelong peninsula native, born and raised in Warwick County. The son of loving parents. He enjoyed a blessed childhood growing up in a close-knit blue-collar community just a couple of blocks from the James River where he spent countless days with neighborhood friends swimming, fishing, and crabbing.

He attended Hilton Elementary and often reminisced about the wonderful teachers, friendships, and good times he had there. Bill was a “Fighting Farmer” graduating from Warwick High School, followed by a 5-year apprenticeship in the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #540, Newport News, VA. He later attended TNCC and Christopher Newport College (University) on a 2 plus 2 engineering curriculums with Old Dominion University.

While in high school, Bill met the love of his life and his bride-to-be, Jennie, and less than a year after graduation, they were married at Hampton Roads Baptist Church. Seventeen months later their precious daughter Tina was born and in another four years their beloved son Judson. They made a loving home in Glendale, where together they supported their children in school, sports, and community activities. They were wonderful, busy years, always on the run from one place to another. Precious days which can never be taken or replaced.

Following a fifteen-year career with Local #540 Plumbers & Steamfitters working on pulp mills, breweries, oil refineries, and power plants, Bill joined a support contractor at NASA Langley Research Center as an inspector and was blessed to have enjoyed 30 years of employment with progressive roles of leadership and responsibility, retiring as the Manager of Construction field Services for Jacobs Engineering. During Bill’s career, he was blessed to have developed lasting relationships with fellow craftsmen, employees, subcontractor employees and owners, and NASA civil servants. He always spoke about how fortunate he was to have worked with so many smart people who helped to make him smarter (or look smarter). Bill was extremely proud of the work his team accomplished. He was firm but fair and set high performance and quality standards for himself and those he worked with while attempting to meet or exceed client expectations and company goals.

Bill was passionate about family and work, always trying to do the very best he could for both, but he was also passionate about the Lord. He admittedly fell short of reflecting a Christian life and attitude occasionally but never stopped loving the Lord with all his heart and soul.

Knowing he was not well the last few years of his career, he sought medical consultation locally and with specialists at Duke University Interstitial Lung Clinic. Shortly after retirement, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Although a terminal disease was not what he had planned for, he thanked God for the additional time given to reset his priorities and enjoy his remaining time strengthening family ties and making amends where necessary.

A memorial service will be held at Crossroads Community Church, 1420 Lakeside Drive, Yorktown, VA on Saturday, March 18, 2023. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

2 Comments

  1. Susan Bagley

    Aunt Jennie, Tina, Judson and family.
    I cherish the many calls and words of encouragement Uncle Bill gave me and my family. We loved him very much. I have many wonderful memories of his laughter and the fun times we’ve shared as a family.(Aunt Al’s pool parties & Christmas)
    Through the following days may the words of encouragement from family and friends fill your hearts with warmth and cherished memories. May God strengthen you today and for the road ahead.
    Until I see you in heaven. Love you Uncle Bill.
    Alan and Susan

  2. Susan Bagley

    Aunt Jennie, Tina, Judson and family.
    I cherish the many calls and words of encouragement Uncle Bill gave me and my family. We loved him very much. I have many wonderful memories of his laughter and the fun times we’ve shared as a family.(Aunt Al’s pool parties & Christmas)
    Through the following days may the words of encouragement from family and friends fill your hearts with warmth and cherished memories. May God strengthen you today and for the road ahead.
    Until I see you in heaven. Love you Uncle Bill.
    Alan and Susan

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