Ted Davis

Ted Davis Dies at 101

Ted Davis, a centurion with an insatiable love of people and life, died on Palm Sunday at his home. Physically and socially active, Davis spent most of his life in Akron, Ohio. In later years, he wintered in La Canada, CA moving there permanently at age 98 to be closer to his daughter, Judi Healey; his granddaughter, Kathryn Peoples and her husband Ryan, and his great-grandson, Bradley.

Born Theodore William Davis in Queens, New York, the WW2 veteran served as a medic with the U.S. Navy and continued his interest in medicine all his life, working in marketing for Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. Always active, he celebrated his 95th birthday on the same Fairlawn Country Club courts where he won tennis tournaments.

Ted was fueled by the company of others and embraced community service. Last year, he received the Legion of Honor for his 75 years as a member of Kiwanis International. In Ohio, he was a tireless volunteer at hospitals and on boards, even leading a morning fitness class at the YMCA. The Kidney Foundation and SCORE were two of his favorite involvements. A lifelong Episcopalian, he was a member of St. Paul’s for 70 years and occasionally taught Sunday School.

Ted remained active in Kiwanis in La Canada, volunteered for 11 years at the local hospital, and worked on the float for the Tournament of Roses. Ever gregarious, he would break out in songs such as “You Are My Sunshine” or “Show Me the Way to Go Home” in unusual places, such as elevators. A gracious host to the end, he offered jelly beans or scotch to the several people who stopped by on what turned out to be his last day.

Ted was preceded in death by just about everyone, including Audrey, his wife of over 60 years; and Helen, whom he married when she was 78 and he was 80.

Ted’s life will be celebrated in La Canada on April 16 and in Akron at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park, Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333.