William Thomas Davis was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on March 9th 1937, the son of W.T. Davis and Lillian Louise Ballowe. A lifelong and proud Virginian, he passed on May 2nd 2021. Bill was descended from several founding families of Virginia, including Colonel George Reade, who was the first Acting Governor of Virginia and member of the House of Burgesses; Augustine Warner, who served as the Speaker of Virginia’s House of Burgesses; Nicolas Martiau, known as the Father of Yorktown; and Colonel Thomas Ballowe, who led the 2nd Virginia Militia during the War of 1812.
The Davis family “business” was tobacco farming and construction; however, “Billy” left to attend the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a degree in Physics, residing on The Lawn. Bill then entered the Navy, served aboard the aircraft carrier Independence, and supported NATO missions with the British Navy aboard the aircraft carrier Centaur. While serving in Singapore, he met his British bride, Wendy Rolls, who taught primary school students on the Royal Air Force Base. They married in 1964, returning to the United States where they settled into a happy life as 50-year-plus members of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, which afforded them many friends and social engagements. Bill served as an usher while his wife Wendy sang in the choir. Bill finished his career as part of the Intelligence Community. After retirement, Bill and Wendy traveled extensively, where his favorite location was New Mexico.
Bill was a proud supporter of Public Television. Toward the end of his life, he continued his zest for learning through audiobooks and asking “Alexa” challenging political and historical questions. His dogs, Duke and Freddy, who both predeceased him, also gave him great joy.
Bill leaves behind his wife, Wendy, and daughter Sarah Jane Brandon (Gene), and grandsons Jack and Peter Brandon. Also surviving Bill is his younger sister Shelby Miller and brothers Larry and Wendell Davis; nephews Chris Miller (Christy), Mike Miller, Adrian Miller (Lizze), Davy Davis (Tiffany), Jacob Davis; and niece Lilly Miller.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 14th, at Miller Funeral Home in Woodbridge at 10:30, which requires limited attendance due to Covid. At 12:30 pm, an open Military Service and Funeral will be in Quantico National Cemetery. Refreshments will follow outside St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Woodbridge. Social distancing and masks are required.
