William Toy Davis

William Toy Davis, Jr.

‍

February 28, 1924—May 3, 2021

‍

Early in the evening on May 3, 2021, William Toy Davis, Jr. “Willie” passed away quietly at home with his wife Beuna and their daughter Jennifer.  In his words, “I have seen and done a lot in these years but the best thing to happen in my life is to have loved and been loved by my beautiful wife Beuna for 79 years”.

Willie was a native of Haysi, Dickenson County, VA but spent many good years in Bradshaw, WVA, Bristol, VA, Tuscaloosa, AL and finally, Canton, GA. It was a remarkable life centered on love, patriotism, hard work and service.  Willie enjoyed a childhood surrounded by siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends…and lots of music. At Haysi High School he met a cute guard on the girls’ basketball team, Beuna Taylor. She saved a seat for him on the basketball bus, they fell in love, eloped on January 30, 1942 and lived happily ever after. Willie saw war, serving in WWII combat with the 325 Glider division of the 82nd Airborne; he was a charter member of a civic organization that pioneered the development of a state park where families and friends gather and marvel at the sight of the beautiful mountains of southwest VA; he helped to incorporate a small WVA town and develop city governance; he spearheaded the creation of an annual Fall Festival that continues to bring people together; as a professional photographer he took thousands of cherished pictures documenting weddings, school years and special events. Finally, Willie was a man of Christian faith.  His family faith was Primitive Baptist but he and Beuna chose and loved the Methodist church for worship, fellowship, and service. The world is both better and happier because Willie Davis was in it. He not only supported and cared for all whom he loved, but filled their lives with his intelligence, quick wit and songs.

Willie is survived by his wife Beuna Taylor Davis, a daughter, Jennifer Hatcher, her husband James and their family: James Hatcher, Jr, his wife Kathi and daughters Sarah and Shelby; Tara Black and her son Nate; and Kristen Hatcher and her husband Todd Schmidt.  He is also survived by son-in law Charles Odle and the family he and Barbara created: daughter Malia Chapman, her husband Chad and their daughters Magan and Madeline; daughter Cortney Davis, her husband Josh and children Sela Jayne and Deacon MacGregor. Additional survivors include his dear brother, Clayton Davis, sister-in- law, Trulah Taylor, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Willie and Beuna faced the sorrow of being predeceased by their youngest daughter, Barbara Kay Odle.  He was also predeceased by his parents William Toy and Tiny Puckett Davis and a brother Stacy Davis, as well as many others dear to him.

On Saturday May 15th at 12 noon, a Celebration of Life service will be led by Pastor Brian Smith in the chapel of the Waleska United Methodist Church. The address is 7340 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska, GA. Per Covid guidelines, seating will be spaced and masks required.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to one of the following:

First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa

Attn:  Memorial Gift

800 Greensboro Ave.

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Online donations www.fumct.org (giving tab)

Disabled American Vets

PO Box 14301

Attn: Gift Processing

Cincinnati, OH 45250

Online donations www.DAV.org

In Their Honor of Jasper is serving the family of Mr. Davis.

‍