Robert Lee Davis

Robert Lee Davis, 90, went to be with the Lord and his wife, Gloria, of 65 years, on October 28, 2013. Robert "Bob" was born in Galloway, West Virginia, to the late Ora F. and Lillian Davis, but lived most of his life in the Akron area. Bob retired from General Tire and Rubber Company in 1984 and moved to Winter Haven, FL for 18 years before returning to Ohio. He was preceded in death by wife, Gloria Ann (Honeywill) Davis in 2011 and son, Robert Lee Davis, Jr., in 1994. He is survived by two daughters, Linda (Gene) Whited and Cindy Latham; four grandchildren, Wendy (Jake) Shocklee, Michael Muth, Jeff (Denise) Whited, and Misty Muth; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Jenny) Davis; sister-in-law, Margaret Honeywill; many nieces and nephews, as well as his special Aunt Mary Louise Helmick; two half brothers, Jim, Gene, and one deceased, Jerry. He also leaves very special friends John Muth, Sandy Meszaros, and his little buddy, Alfie. Cremation has taken place. A small private family memorial will be held, and there will be no calling hours.

Dear Dad, Where do we begin to memorialize a life as full, rich, productive, and courageous as yours? In short-we cannot. From our first memories, we realized we had been blessed with an extraordinarily talented, creative artist and hobbyist for a father. Although as we grew, we often were "directed" back onto the correct path by you, we know it was because you loved us and were intent on giving us lives that were filled with morals and values that would make us better people, spouses, parents, and grandparents. Dad, looking down upon us from Heaven now, I hope you feel you succeeded. Your artistic talents have amazed and touched many-they will be sorely missed here, but will be a forever reminder of you and your love of art. Your wonderful talent, however, will now be enjoyed for eternity by you, Mom, Bobby, and all your other friends and relatives who have gone before. Now, we must talk about courage and you. Having lived and fought with the Navy during World War II in Okinawa took great courage and conviction by many who were merely boys and young men-just like you. You, Dad, and your brothers in military service are the ones we, who are free today, must remember forever and not forget to thank each and every day. We were so happy when you invited and able to attend the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. through HBO where you met Mrs. Dole and listened to many other dignitaries including Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg kick-off of the TV series "The Pacific." We know the servicemen and other people who lined the airports to shake your hands and to thank you for your sacrifices touched you deeply. And most of all, we were so grateful that you, Dad, were able to see the World War II Memorial built to honor your brave generation. Thank you Akron-Canton Honor Flight for all your contributions and true love to our veterans. The biggest battle, you have had to fight, however, has been your battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma and all of its evil effects. This six-year battle has shown the mettle you were made of, Dad. Our family would like to thank Dr. Sandra Hazra and her staff, Dr. Charles Chen, and the CCU staff at Summa Barberton Hospital for all their special care given our father during his struggle. As each of your family and friends watched in amazement, we saw you knock down one enemy disease, injury, and illness on top of another and come out victorious each time. But now it is time for you to take your rest, Dad, and look over your own lifetime and what you have accomplished, all the friends you have made, all the lives you have touched, and the family members you have loved and who have loved you back-doubly. Dad, Mom, and Bobby, we will live with you in our hearts until we meet you all again someday.

Your loving daughters, Cindy and Linda.