WILMINGTON — William Henry Davis, 93, lovingly known as “Skinny,” or “Bill,” died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Duke Hospital, Durham. He was born Feb. 27, 1926, in Goldsboro, the son of Leslie Cardonell Davis and Lola Mae Hatch Davis
He spent his early days in Goldsboro and his summers on the farm in Beautancus. He worked hard as a young man to help support his family by ushering at the theater and running a bike route. After returning from World War II, he worked 39 years at AT&T as a troubleshooter and technician for businesses. He spent his days taking care of his family and loved ones, fishing when he could and building whatever he needed himself. He could fix absolutely anything with a wrench, screwdriver and meter.
Bill was a good, dependable, honorable, brilliant and authentic man who spread love and caring everywhere he went. He always selflessly practiced what he preached and always stood up for what is right.
He is survived by his son, John Leslie Davis, and his wife, Debbye; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Davis Mergenthaler, and her husband, Tony; grandsons, John Michael King Jr. and Joshua William Davis, and his wife, Heather, and mother, Jo; great-granddaughter, Isabelle “Izzy” Marguerite Davis; and cousin, Pete Davis.
Those he is joining in heaven include his wife, Ann Warren Davis; son, William Henry “Buddy” Davis Jr.; siblings, Leslie, Helen, Doris, Earl and Edna; in-laws, Isabel Cox Warren and John Warren; and mother and father, Lola Mae and Leslie Davis.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, at Oakdale Cemetery.
A special thanks to his neighbors, friends, coworkers, all the Duke Hospital staff, Jill, the K&W family, and his breakfast buddy Joe.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Habitat for Humanity or Duke Cancer Center.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
