Richard “Dick” L. Davis, 68, of Dexter, died on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. He was born Sept. 1, 1944 in Park Rapids, MN., the son of Leroy “Jack” and Lucille (Mackey) Davis.
On Aug. 25, 1961, he married Joy M. Hazard, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 2012. Dick went to work for Ford Motor Company in 1962. After becoming a tool & die journeyman and obtaining a degree in engineering, he left Ford in 1971 to pursue a career as a design and sales engineer representing tool manufacturers to Ford.
He started Davis Equipment Co., Inc. in 1981 and worked independently until he retired in 1992. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Society of Carbide Engineers, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Dick enjoyed NASCAR racing, University of Michigan football, and entertaining his customers, colleagues and friends.
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He was also preceded in death by his father, Leroy “Jack” Davis in 1985; his brother, Maynard Davis in 1987; and his son, Rick Davis in 2008.
Survivors include two daughters: Rhonda (Phillip) Miller and Helen Hergott; two grandchildren: Mitchell Granet and Jillian (Bill) Poteracki; his mother, Lucille Davis; two brothers: Michael (Sue) Davis, Milton (Kay) Davis; and sister Marilyn (Mark) Parraghi.
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A memorial service will be held Jan. 30, at 4 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Family will begin receiving guests at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Arbor Hospice.
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