Billy Connell Davis

Mr. Billy Connell Davis, 82, of Commerce, GA passed away on July 14, 2024 at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.   He was born in Commerce on August 24, 1941 to the late, Fairer Bell Owensby and Clarence "Pete" Davis.  Bill is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ward Davis.  They were 2 Peas in a Pod, rarely apart and always together supporting their 2 sons; Greg and Derrick as well as 6 grandchildren; Abbie, Britt, Landon, D.J., Ty, Cam, and 2 great grandchildren; Karleigh and Braleigh.  

After graduating from Commerce High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 4 years, most notably aboard the U.S.S Bache while he and his wife Barbara were stationed and living in Beeville, Texas. He was very proud to tell the stories of his travels but nothing joyed him more than being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  A member of Madison Street Baptist Church where you could find the Davis family sitting about 6 rows back on the left side and later on the back row as his health began to decline.  He dedicated much of his life to helping others and sharing his love of sports.  Many nights spent at the old Gordon field where his teams, Strickland's BBQ and Baxter's Well Service would dominate the local men's softball league and later coaching the State Farm Insurance Little League team.  Later, Mr. Davis would serve 20 plus years on the Commerce City Board of Education, serving as Chairman twice and dedicating many hours to trying to make Commerce City Schools the best around.  But no one will ever forget those Friday nights over the PA system at Tiger Field.  Beginning in the 1970's for 40 years Bill Davis's voice rang out over the speakers, calling many notable games in Tiger Football history and instituting the forever loved "Tiger fans look into the sky, it's potluck football at Commerce High.  And will we ever forget that one player that always seemed to play for the opponent and making tackles, Jabo Johnson was in on many tackles although never listed on the roster, and what about the historic "It's only 9 miles, but it's a long, long ride home.  Mr. Davis put joy in many Tiger fans' hearts on Fall Friday nights and the stories will last forever.

Bill Davis never met a stranger and rarely walked into a place where he didn't know someone and the stories would start to flow.  Mr. Bill Davis will surely be missed by many.

Visitation will be held at Little and Ward Funeral Home in Commerce, Wednesday July 17^th from 5:00 until 8:00.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 at Madison Street Baptist Church, Commerce on Thursday July 18^th with Dr. Billy Owensby officiating.  Internment will follow at Grey Hill Cemetery. 

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.