William Boyce "Bill" Davis, Jr.

William Boyce “Bill” Davis, Jr., 79, beloved for his kindness and humor, passed away suddenly having lived his life to the fullest with tremendous passion and service towards others. He was born in Gaston County to the late William Boyce Davis, Sr. and Marion Bernice Kiser Davis and was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Diane McLean Davis.

Bill graduated from Bessemer City High School (Class of 1963) and earned an associate’s degree in Industrial Management from Cleveland County Technical College. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s C-Company 503rd Military Police Battalion from 1965 to 1968 in Korea and Fort Bragg, NC. Bill enjoyed a 21-year career as the Lead Building Inspector for the City of Burlington and held various roles in the construction industry, leaving a lasting impact on many.

An avid sports fan, three sport athlete, and recent inductee to the Bessemer City High School Sports Hall of Fame with his 1962 State Champion Baseball Team. Bill loved lake life, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was known as the "life of the party", and quite the dancer. He loved being surrounded by family and friends but especially cherished time with his grandchildren and created lasting memories in his “man cave”.

As an active member of his community, he enjoyed many years coaching little league baseball. He was a member of the Union Ridge Church and member of the North State Boat Club since 2007. 

Bill was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Pam Welch (Matt), William Boyce Davis III (Monica), Beverly Smith (Jay); and grandchildren Kaitlin, Ally, Lulu Welch, William Boyce “Will” IV, Olivia Davis, Caleb Melton, Madison, Austin, and Kirsten Smith; great grandchild Bella Melton; siblings Gail Crowell (Charlie), Bo Davis (Sharon) and Elizabeth Davis Jones; several nieces and nephews, and his feline companion, “Boots”.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Dan Ficklin with visitation for family to receive friends from 12:15-1:45 pm. A family graveside service will follow at Gibsonville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Bill's beloved “Boots” can be made to Burlington Animal Services at www.burlingtonnc.gov/donate.