Walter M. Davis, Sr., 93, of Wellesley and Southborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29 , 2015 after a long and full life.
Walter was born in Southborough to Eva Landry and William Davis. He was the youngest of 7 children and attended Southborough schools and Lawrence Academy in Groton. Walter went on to attend Bates College until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war he returned to Southborough and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Sayles. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years together before Betty died in 2002. He worked for Devonshire Financial and the National Shawmut Bank of Boston, and later for the Town of Southborough.
He was best known as the greatest father, grandfather, and great grandfather. An active tennis player for 70 years, he also enjoyed reading, volunteering at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, and practicing yoga. As the ultimate Super Fan, he rarely missing a game in which his children or grandchildren played. Walter’s wit and humor as well as his capacity for love will long be remembered by family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Walter Davis, Jr. and his wife Meg of Wellesley, his daughter Sally Davis Yeatman and her husband Larry of Santa Monica, CA, as well as 4 grandchildren, Jesse, Lindsay, Andy, and Sara and 9 great grandchildren.
Walter (Pop) will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral and burial will be private.
To leave words of condolence to the family, please visit Morrisfuneralparlor.com
(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home)
Updated (11/5/15 12:20 pm): Text was originally missing the notice to leave words of condolences on the Funeral Home website. (I’m not sure if family members would read comments on this site. But I did submit a message that there were already two condolences posted here.)
Dear Davis Family,
Ohh….I have missed Walt and Betty all these years and never cease, in all my drives down Route 9 in Wellesley, to remember them. I saw them swimming at the Sheraton must be hundreds of times over the years–Walt was not especially delighted to find out that Betty and I were in the locker room at the same time…he knew we’d get talking and t then… I knew Betty in another way when I became a Selectman and was then obliged to hear all her persistent complaints about the Town House heating/cooling (efficient at neither) system. She was a determined woman–another reason for my admiration. More and more Southborough is not the same with a generation with people like the Davises.
My sympathy to the family…….it was good to know that he could be cared for by you all.
Sadly, Donna
Sally-
I was so very sad to hear about your dad’s passing. I want to send my condolences to you and Wally and your whole family. I remember your dad so well. He was a handsome and elegant man and such a gentleman. I recall as if it was yesterday when we all gathered at your house to see the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan. Your Mom and Dad were always wonderful hosts.
I also want to speak for my mother, Eleanor (94 1/2), who now resides at Whitney Place Assisted Living in Northborough in sending her condolences. She was very close to the whole Davis family and she oftens mentions them.
My thoughts are with you.
Love, Carol
It was sad to read this obituary. I have very good memories of both Walter and Betty Davis. Like Donna, I saw them frequently at the Sheraton Health Club in Framingham, but they were also very active library patrons. Both visited the library often, always enjoyed catching up with the staff, and Betty was Treasurer of the Friends of the Library for many years. All of us at the library considered them to be good friends as well as patrons. We were sad to see them leave when they moved to Wellesley.
Yes, this is sad news. I knew Walter and Betty through the Historical Society many years ago. They were active members and I enjoyed chats with them. My condolences to Walter’s family.