Bill Davis

An honest man here lies at rest, The friend of man, the friend of truth, The friend of age, and guide of youth; Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd; Few heads with knowledge so inform'd; If there's another world he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this. -from Epitaph on a Friend Robert Burns

"Perhaps most of all, Bill was known for his gentle sense of humor and his love of absurdity; he maintained a steady flow of correspondence in the persona of the mirthful, simple teddy bear Kum, in addition to the many letters in his own name. His artistic interests included photography, calligraphy, and jazz drums. He was deeply interested in the history of World War II and the development of aeronautics, and built fine scale models of airplanes from that era. Before his heart attack in 1987, he was an enthusiastic bicyclist and afterwards a model member of the RWJ Cardiac Rehabilitation exercise program." -- program notes from the Service in Celebration for the Life of Bill Davis, June 5, 2004.

I am Donna Reeves, one of his nieces from Kansas. When I was about 8 or 10 years old, my parents, sister and I drove our camper van from Kansas to the east coast on vacation. We managed to drive on the NJ Turnpike, follow directions like "hang a lefty", etc. We arrived at Uncle Bill and Aunt Nelda's place late in the afternoon. After a wonderful greeting, Uncle Bill offered my father, also named Bill, "Would you like a drink?" My father said it was a little early to have drinks. Uncle Bill laughed and said "Bill, it's 5 o'clock some where." Then they had martinis. My father often used the phrase "It's 5 o'clock some where." and I always thought of Uncle Bill. Also, at their home, I had never used a bathroom where magazines were kept in the bathroom. Being the curious child I was, I looked through them and found my very first "Playboy". I got to look at it all I wanted to, with the door closed, and I didn't even have to sneak behind my parent's back. Uncle Bill was a very exciting person to me. I will always remember his smile, laugh and mirthful attitude of life. I am going to miss him terribly, until he and I meet again, but I will also miss KUM. O Lord, grant Uncle Bill eternal rest. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Love, Donna

I remember Bill from the Congregational Church where he attended. I would attend the church with my children as my friend was a member of the church. An activist and devoted member of the church, he was usually there when I attended and would come over to greet my family, making us fill welcome. Muriel A. S. Grimmett, University Director, SASA/EOF

We people in the anthropology department have fond memories of Bill. He was always a friendly & a courteous presence in the Biology Building, where our two departments intersected. He always had a long train of undergraduates following him about through the hallways. Susan Cachel, Anthropology

Bill always liked to ride the campus bus. He loved the students and he really enjoyed just being among them. Diana Martin, Director, General Biology Courses.

He uplifted my spirit with his humor and guidance. He feed my interest for biology, and even made me like Botany! He made it all look so fun and simple while encouraging me to look into the unknown. He never let me down when I asked him a silly question. He was a real teacher.   Michele Pickerell

I miss Bill. We shared nearby offices for many years and I would frequently get cartoons pinned to my door or articles in my mailbox that he thought would interest or amuse me. We had many wonderful, stimulating conversations.  Joanne Stolen

I miss Bill Davis: a poem by Dr. Joanne Stolen

IN A BIOLOGY CLASS OF SEEMINGLY 500 STUDENTS, PROFESSOR DAVIS ALWAYS GAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT HE WAS WILLING TO GET TO KNOW EACH AND EVERY STUDENT.  I ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM AFTER MANY LECTURES JUST TO HEAR HIS OWN THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF GENERAL BIOLOGY.  Luke Dempsey

My weekly meetings with Bill began as required meetings between a faculty advisor and a student. Over the course of five years these meetings slowly evolved into voluntary meetings between two friends. Our conversations normally began around the subject of biology but then diverged into dynamic talks addressing politics, family, religion and everything in between. I really miss Bill. I don't believe anyone could ever fill the unique role he held in my life. He was a teacher, role model, mentor, and friend. Anne Darlington

I was a biology TA for Bill for five years.  During that time learned more than science from Bill, I learned how to be a good teacher and mentor.  Bill taught me to find the humor in every situation, be critical yet kind, and to stand my ground yet be compassionate.  Now that I am a faculty member myself, I find I use a skill I learned from Bill everyday single day.  I am fortunate to have known such a wonderful person. Michelle A. Lane, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin

I had Professor Davis for General Biology 101 in the fall of 1988 while attending Cook. I distinctly remember his enthusiasm for the subject material, as well as his care and concern for his students. When reading of his passing, I did feel quite sad, until I realized that he will in fact live forever in the minds and memories of all of his students and the others he touched.  Peter Knox, Cook College Alum 1993