DAVIS, William T. (Bill)

William (Bill) T. Davis, 83, of Peoria, AZ, passed away on June 28, 2003. His daughter, Janet was at his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, on April 4, 2003. They had been married 59 years. Bill was born October 17, 1919, to William and Viola (Tudor) Davis in Columbus, OH. He graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, OH, in 1937. Bill served in the Army Air Corps as an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic and was transferred to Luke Air Field, in November, 1941. In 1942 he met Jean Rhodenbaugh whom he married on July 24, 1944. After being discharged in 1945 he and Jean remained in Phoenix where he worked in aircraft maintenance at the Litchfield Naval Facility. Bill joined the Air Force Reserve in 1950 and was called to active duty for the Korean War. He served fifteen months at Williams AFB and them returned to his job at the Naval Facility where he worked until it closed in the early 1960s. Bill continued to work, as a jet engine mechanic at Luke Air Force Base until his retirement in 1986. Bill was always proud that he kept them flying for 43 years. After retiring he and Jean spent their summers in Lakeside, AZ, enjoying the cooler weather of the White Mountains and meeting new friends, He is survived by daughter and son-in-Law, Janet and Bob; a son, Daryl; two grandsons, Robert and David; and three great-grandchildren, Majerle, Morgan and Carter. He will be missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be held at the Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 719 N. 27th Ave in Phoenix, on Thursday, July 3, at 11:00. A memorial service will follow at 12:00. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656, in his name. Published in the Arizona Republic from 7/2/2003 - 7/3/2003.