On February 14th, 2024, we were suddenly and unexpectedly parted from the most wonderful man, father, and Papa, as George William “Bill” Davis, age 66, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.
Bill was born on June 18th, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi to George William Sr. and Gloria Sue (Wimberly) Davis. After moving to Buffalo, NY, the Davis family settled permanently in St. Joseph, MO.
After graduating from Lafayette High School in 1975, Bill’s football talent earned him a full ride as a tight end for Montana State University (MSUB). However, after a year of being a thousand miles from home, homesickness led the 18-year-old to contemplate whether to give up the ole gridiron for good. That is until Kim, a 17-year-old girl waving her pom-poms on the sideline, caught his eye. Thus began the familiar tale, the footballer who falls for the cheerleader, where Montana was transformed from a distant land into a home away from home.
Kim quickly became his world, and amidst late-night football games and snow-covered slopes, their love grew into a lifelong commitment, sealed in the summer of 1980. Bill and Kim journeyed back to St. Joseph, MO to embark on a new life together as Bill began his career with Quaker Oats. They shared 49 wonderful years together.
Outside of work, you’d often find Bill either building his house or out on the ball field, whether coaching or cheering on one of his sons’ sports teams. Thursday nights were for painting the football field in preparation for Friday’s big game or firing up the grill to feed a team of hungry teen boys. As a devoted papa, he never missed a ball game, music concert, or morning to make breakfast and drive the kids to school. He was the ultimate host of pool parties, a constant source of dad jokes, and had a knack for planning beach vacations like no other. Despite his loveable nature, those closest to him were well aware of his mischievous streak, and he therefore was never entrusted with keeping score during mini-golf (his 4’s would mysteriously transform into 1’s) and his hand was always watched closely during family game nights.
To encompass all that Bill was is an unattainable feat, as he was so many things to so many people. A loving and devoted husband, father, Papa, uncle, brother, friend, coach, the list goes on and on. His life was one of selfless service to others. His family was his everything and he will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Oscar Lawrenz, mother-in-law Agnes Lawrenz, brothers-in-law Darrel McGillen, Larry Miller, Barry Slaughter, and Ronnie Duvall, and sister-in-law Constance Slaughter. He is survived by his beloved wife Kim (Lawrenz) Davis, their sons Luke (Samantha) Davis and Josh (Kelsey) Davis, his siblings Sue Carol Duvall, Jane (Greg) Nold, and Bobby (Lorna) Davis, sisters-in-law Jan Miller, Linda McGillen, and Karen (Mike) Mace, and five grandchildren Graham, Kenzie, Ike, Jaxson, and Stella Davis. He is also held dear by many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Friends of the Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
