William Charley “Bill” Davis, 78, passed away at Floy Dyer Manor in Houston on October 10, 2020. Born September 29, 1942, in Booneville, he was the son of Leland and Eula “Chick” Bullard Davis. He was a very active member of Vardaman Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, and was treasurer of the board. He attended Calhoun City High School, graduating in 1960, and then Hinds Jr. College and Delta State University. He was a star football player for the Calhoun City Wildcats, and was a member of the North Half All-Star team for 1960. He spent his working life as production manager at Heatcraft/McQuay some 40 years, where he still had many close friends. On November 30, 1967, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Ashby Davis, and they spent 53 wonderful years together, raising their son, Charley, along the way.
Bill proudly served in the National Guard 29 years until retiring. In his free time, he spent many carefree days duck hunting and fishing. He was also an avid sports fan, especially the SEC and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
He was loved and highly respected by his community. He made the world a better place through simple, principled living, personally and professionally. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be October 13, at 2 pm at Pryor Funeral Home. Visitation is Monday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home, and also one hour prior to service time Tuesday. Bro. Jim Vance, Bro. William Montgomery and Bro. Will Dowling will be officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Vardaman.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Hamilton, Tommy Lee Davis, Billy Ray, Kamron Stanford, Josh Hamilton, Michael Jones, Preston Blue, Mike Jones and Mark Edwards.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Tierce, Dabb Conner, Jack Wilson, Van Walls, Fred Nabors, Walt Edington, Dr. Patel, Dr. Threadgill, Jimmy Coker, Dr. Castillo, the 223rd National Guard Troops, and past workers and friends at Heatcraft.
He leaves his wife, Carolyn Ashby Davis; son, Charley Davis, Southaven; sisters, Paula and Barbara Davis, both of Calhoun City, and Susan Davis (Mike) Ray, Anguilla; brothers, Thomas L (Rita) Davis, Meridian; Ken (Marsha) Davis, Calhoun City, and Harry (Jessie) Davis, Bellfontaine; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joy Davis Barry; brother-in-law, Jim Barry, and brother-in-law, Bud Hardin.
Memorial donations may be made to Vardaman Methodist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com