William E. Davis 78, a life long resident of Walton, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, August 25, 2007, at Wilson Regional Medical Center, Johnson City.

Bill was born in Walton on April 15, 1929, the son of the late Augustus and Ruth Merwin Davis. He was a graduate of Walton High School where he was a standout in baseball and football. He later played 1st base on the Walton semi-pro baseball team. On February 19, 1949 he married the former Lula B. Hobbie. He was employed as Chief Storekeeper at NYSEG for 31 years. Bill was a former member and present Honorary Member of the Walton Fire Dept., the Oneonta Elks Club, Walton Lions Club, the Quarter Century Club of NYSEG, and the afternoon coffee group at TA's Place, where he was lovingly referred to as "mayor". He enjoyed collecting old toys, sports memorabilia, and baseball cards.

Bill was a great storyteller and jokester whose quick wit and straight face always amused those around him. But most of all he was devoted to his family, whom he loved and cared for deeply.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lula, daughter, Brenda (Chris) Beswick, Queensbury; grandsons, Anthony Beswick, Las Vegas, Adam Beswick, Queensbury; sister in law, Doris Hobbie, Walton, special nephew and niece, Bill and Sharon Hobbie, Walton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, Walton on Tuesday evening, August 28, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM, where a memorial service will be held on Wednesday morning at 11 AM, with the Rev. Larry Light officiating.

Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Walton Fire Dept., 61 West St., Walton, NY, or Women's Cancer Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90048. Women's cancer has touched three generations of Bill's family.