Gerald Larson Davis

Gerald Larson Davis, 82, died February 11, 2014. A life resident of Akron, Jerry was a graduate of Buchtel High School where he was class president, King B, earned 11 letters in football, basketball and baseball a�" and graduated early! At Buchtel, Jerry made some his closest, lifelong friends. Prior to high school, Jerry met the love of his life Joanne and they were inseparable ever since. They were married for 54 years until Joanne's death in 2008.

Jerry graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He went on to Western Reserve Law School, graduating in 1956 and then practiced law for 40 years with his father, Dave and later with his son, Tom.

Jerry was very active in the Masonic organizations. He was a member of Henry Perkins Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He was a past potentate of Tadmor Temple in Akron, past president of the Ohio State Shrine and past president of the Great Lakes Shrine Association.

Jerry was an accomplished bridge player and participated in many local bridge groups and tournaments. He also loved to do crosswords in pen, play golf and was an avid sports fan. He was a longtime and honorary member of Fairlawn Country Club, where he served as president. He was also especially fond of his friends of Copley Place.

He is survived by his adoring children, Thomas (Jacquelyn) of Akron, James (Donna) of Orlando, Florida, and Susan (Robert) Massengill of Morristown, New Jersey. He was extremely proud of his granddaughters, Lindsay (Drew) Bennett, Jenna, Sarah, Lynn and Amy. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Patty) Davis of Ithaca, New York; and sister-in-law, Martha Everhard of Wadsworth; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call 3-7 p.m. Friday at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Rose Hill Burial Park with Dr. Donard M. Engle officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at Fairlawn Country Club at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)