Willard J Davis

Willard J. “Bill” Davis, 96, of Mechanicsburg, PA, went home to the presence of the Lord on July 13, 2026, at his son’s home. He was born in Scranton, PA on January 29, 1930, the son of the late Willard E. and Gertrude (Roach) Davis. Bill was married to his late wife Barbara (Abbey) for 65 years. He grew up in Endwell, NY, where he graduated from Union Endicott High School in 1947. A talented musician, Bill played his cornet in various school, community and church contexts from his boyhood into his 80s. Bill and his wife sang in community and church choirs from NY to Florida, and Bill continued singing in PA even after his wife could no longer join him.

After joining IBM as a Tool and Die manufacturing apprentice, Bill had a career with IBM spanning 39 years in Endicott, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, from which he took leave to serve in the US Army. He and his wife settled in Saugerties, NY where they raised their three children. Following retirement, they moved to Florida, then to Country Meadows in Mechanicsburg, PA. A charter member of Grace Community Church in Lake Katrine, NY, Bill served as an Elder, song leader, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and Building Committee and Missions Chair. Upon moving to Mechanicsburg, he joined the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church.

Bill was a wise and loving father, an example, counselor, and friend. His devotion to his wife in her declining years was noted by all who knew him. He is survived by his children: Lynanne Palmer (Scott), Robert (Anne), and James (Norma), 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends until the Lord returns or calls us to join him.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister Lois Arnold.

Bill’s family will have a private celebration of his life and memory. Memorial contributions can be made to LifePath Christian Ministries, PO Box 1968, York PA, 17405 or Country Meadows Co-Worker Foundation, 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.