David W.Davies

When reflecting on the life of David Davies, words such as driven, hardworking, and devoted come to mind. He accomplished great things during his life through the sweat of his brow as a man who believed that there is no such thing as a free lunch. David was community minded and someone who was passionate about the things he felt strongly about, and he supported causes that were near and dear to his heart through both his time and his resources. Daily life will never be the same for David’s friends and loved ones without him here, but his memory will remain a lasting treasure for years to come.

After the end of WWI in 1919 America was recognized as a world leader, which left the eyes of the world focused on our shores for what was to come. Prosperity was the dominant force and with innovation fueling advancements in nearly every sector, one’s success was in many ways only limited by one’s own desires and dreams. Nestled within this vibrant decade was the year 1921 that was filled with great anticipation for one young couple from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby. Their wait was over on June 26th of that year when the healthy baby boy they named David drew his first breath. He was born to David H. and Anna R. (Roberts) Davies and as a young man David moved to Racine and was raised by his Uncle and Aunt Joel and Trudy Roberts.

In many ways David experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He attended local schools, which was where he met the young girl with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Betty J. Fergus, and they were high school sweethearts. With a desire to build a life together David and Betty became husband and wife on October 17, 1942.

Life in America was forever changed when WWII arrived at our doorstep with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war the next day, which sent countless young servicemen and women overseas to serve their country during this time of great need. David joined the ranks of willing servicemen and became a soldier in the United States Army. By the time his military service was fulfilled, he earned the rank of sergeant.

Together with his wife David was blessed with two children: David and Dee Dee. In order to support his family he built a successful business, D. W. Davies and Company, in 1955. David’s work was always of the utmost importance to him and through it he was able to have a lasting influence in his community.

Throughout his life David was very involved in the community he called home. He was a member of various organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Racine, and he also founded and supported a local Boy Scout troop. David served as the president of the Kiwanis Youth Symphony for a time, and he was also a past president of the Board of Directors for the Racine Historical Museum. Proud of his Welsh heritage he served on the board of the St. David Society. Additionally, he was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years.

David’s reach also extended beyond his community when it came to causes he believed in. He was a sustaining member of the Republican National Committee and served on the Presidential Nomination Committee for the Republican Party. David also generously supported organizations that were near and dear to his heart such as the WWII Veterans War Committee, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans, American Cancer Society, Boys Town, and the Salvation Army among many more.

There were so many things to love and appreciate about David Davies. He was a dynamic man who fully embraced so much of what life has to offer while taking nothing for granted. David was a successful man in his own right, but he used his success to inspire so many around him and to enrich the lives of countless others. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, he created a lifetime of treasured moments with his family and friends that will never be forgotten.

David W. Davies died on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at his residence. David’s family includes his children, David J. Davies and Dee Dee Davies, both of Racine; his grandchildren, David Joel Davies Jr., Daniel William (Danelle) Davies, all of Racine; great-grandchildren, Larkyn Davies, Skylar and Payton Schultz; brother, Owen (Dorothy) Davies; sister-in-law, Rosemary Davies of Racine; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife David was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Davies. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements provided by MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME, 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888.