Raymond F. "Ray" Davis

Raymond F. "Ray" Davis, 86, Rockford, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014, at Presence St. Anne Center. He was born May 27, 1928, in Effingham, the son of Virgil and Dorothy (Baily) Davis. Ray married Elizabeth Schwenck in Berlin, Wisconsin on September 1, 1957. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Sgt. Ray worked for the Rockford Park District and later retired after several years with the maintenance department at Rock Valley College. He was active in the Rockford YMCA for many years involved in the Live Y'ers Club, the Y's Men, and as a leader of the Indian Guides.. Ray was a sports official for over 55 years for the USSSA. Ray also umpired in the ASA ranks for high school fast pitch softball. Ray was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in 2005, and was one of only 2 sanctioned IHSA officials for high school volleyball at the time.
Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth, his children, Pastor Donovan (Robin) Davis of Kernersville, North Carolina, Kathryn Davis Dorn of Milton, Wisconsin, and Bruce (Shaundi) Davis of Evansville, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Jessica (Rick) Frusher, Eric Davis and Karyn Davis; his sister-in-law, Marlene Davis of Rockford; and his niece and nephews, Lori Udell, Steve (Sandy) Davis, and Greg (Pam) Davis. Predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Jim and Charles Davis.
Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Scandinavian Cemetery. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.