William L. "Bill" Davis

FORT MEADE - Mr. William L. (Bill) Davis, Jr., 88, passed away Friday, July 5, 2013 at his home in Fort Meade of heart failure. Bill was born in Bloomington, IN on March 23, 1925 and lived in Austin, TX until he was 16 years of age before moving to Fort Meade with his family in 1941. He graduated from Fort Meade High School in 1942, and then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during WW II. During his service in the Air Force, he received his business degree, pilots license and married Betty Joyce DuRant of Fort Meade in 1945. Bill retired from Lewis and Durrance Fruit Co. of Fort Meade in 2000, and began to pursue his life long ambition of playing golf everyday. During his lifetime, Bill worked in many facets of life. He worked in his family citrus, cattle and auto business and then went on to be an entrepreneur. He was a Licensed Realtor, Insurance Salesman, Citrus and Cattle Hauler, Horse Buyer and Trainer and Citrus Fruit Buyer. Bill also had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, car racing, rodeoing, golfing, airplane restoration, and buying and selling. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL, American Legion Post #23, Fort Meade, NRA, Lake-Polk Hunt Club and Bartow Golf Course. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lamar and Ivelo G. Davis of Fort Meade. He is survived by his two sons, William Paul Davis and wife Gail, Narrangansett, RI, and James Lamar Davis and wife Diane, Fort Meade, FL; Grandchildren, Kelley D. Music and husband Josh, Adam Paul Davis, Narragansett, RI; Great-Grandchildren, Nathan Music, Caden Music, Jantsyn Music and Kaylee Music. Bill is also survived by his two brothers, Richard H. Davis and wife Janet, Joseph E. Davis and wife Audrey, all of Fort Meade, FL and several nieces and nephews. Bill made many friends in his life, young and old alike, and will be greatly missed by many people. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2013 at the New Beginning Church of God, 3920 Hwy. 98, East, Fort Meade, FL. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make contributions to the Fort Meade High School Golf Team, 700 N. Edgewood Dr., Fort Meade, FL 33841. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171