William E. Davis, 72, a resident of South Bend, IN passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026 at the Hospice House in Mishawaka, IN. He was a long-time resident of Plymouth, IN until his recent return to his hometown of South Bend.
Bill was born May 25, 1954, in South Bend to Vaughn and Della Davis. He grew up in South Bend and was a 1972 graduate of Jackson High School. After graduating and spending more years in South Bend he moved to Wisconsin where he met his wife Deborah and expanded their family, having 4 wonderful children. Eventually he and his family returned to Indiana, settling in Plymouth. He went to work alongside his brother and sister at Lake City Heat Treating, Inc. in Warsaw where he was the Quality Assurance/Purchasing Manager from 1992 until his retirement in 2019.
William was a man that was devoted to his family and friends. Everyone has many fond memories of him that they will cherish and remember. He had many hobbies over the years that included golf, model trains, woodworking/DIY projects, playing in league softball while in Wisconsin, and spending time with friends, family and his puppies. Many good times and laughs were had by all at Bill and Deb’s famous New Year’s Eve and Labor Day parties. He was also active in the Plymouth community while being a licensed swimming official for the Plymouth Swim Club as well as many other various things while James and Katherine were active with sports and other activities at Plymouth High School.
In 2017 Bill married Denice Davis and during their time together they were able to fulfill Bill’s bucket list desire of visiting the Grand Canyon. Denice survives along with his 4 children Scott A. (Nicole) Davis of Fort Worth, TX; Heather K. Ridenour of Fort Worth, TX; James W. (Sara) Davis of Dyer, IN and Katherine M. (Thomas) George of Endwell, NY. Bill had many grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as Papa who will also miss him dearly: Zoey, Tre, Rutledge, Vaughn, Kaelyn, Nora, Myles, Ryleigh, Sophia, McKenzie, McKayla, Sam and Alex. He will also be missed by his dear puppies Tilly and Holly. He is also survived by sisters Nancy (Gifford) Torbensen, and Patricia (Race) Hickman as well as many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Deborah Davis, whom he is now reunited, his mother Della, father Vaughn, brother and sister-in-law Gerald and Sally Davis, and sister-in-law Linda Guthrie.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 12:00 noon at Palmer Funeral Home within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville, Indiana. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Bill requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family via the Palmer Funeral Home website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
