Billy Joe (Bill) Davis
Dr. Billy Joe (Bill) Davis departed this earth to be with our heavenly father on Feb. 6, 2020.
Dr. Davis was born Oct. 27, 1932 to Stafford Madison Davis and Vera Mae
Bryan Davis in Lone Wolf, OK. He grew up on a hard scrabble farm during the depression which instilled in him a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his lifetime.
He attended Southwest Oklahoma State where he achieved a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. While attending SWOS he excelled in the sports of football, basketball and track. He was twice named All American in both football and basketball and held the state high jump record for 15 years.
In 1964 he furthered his education with a PhD from Oklahoma State University. In 1966 he accepted a professorship at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, where he taught and mentored until his retirement in 1992. He received many accolades during his tenure as a teacher. He was also awarded a faculty Professor Emeritus status at his retirement and a n endowed scholarship established in his name by former student Dr. Thomas McNeely of Shreveport, LA.
Bill married the love of his life, Oletta Faye Sharry and went on to celebrate 65 years of marriage that produced four children.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Stafford and Vera Mae Davis, brothers; Wayne, Don and Sam, sister; Patricia, and his loving wife Faye.
He is survived by four children; Joe Bill ( Barbara), Tommy (Gayla), Karen (Dick) and Sheila (Sam), eight grandchildren; Will (Brittany), Chris (fiancé Lindsey), Megan (Gary), Adam (Betsy), Amanda (Daniel), Jonathan (Alyse), Ben (Kimberley) and Daniel and eight great grandchildren – Olivia, Tucker, Huck, Piper, Sadie Claire, Amelia, Everett and Jameson, his brother Gayle Davis from Oklahoma City, OK and several nieces and nephews.
He was loved by many and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends and the many students whose lives he touched during his life.
A Memorial Service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2020, in The Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity United Methodist Church under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Officiating will be Leslie Stephens. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Louisiana Tech Foundation dedicated to The Bill Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund at his beloved Louisiana Tech University.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
