Ronald Davis Obituary

LAKE WORTH, Fla. - Ronald L. Davis (Ron), 81, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2024, in Lake Worth, Fla., surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Liz (Johnson) Davis; daughter, Jenny (Davis) Billhymer and husband Andy of Oswego; daughter-in-law, Katie (Madix) Davis of Lake Worth; and the four "apples of his eye," his grandchildren, Ryan Davis of Tallahassee, Fla., Ashley Billhymer of Oswego, Matthew Davis of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Jake Billhymer of Ames, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 36 years, Carol (Hahn) Davis; beloved son, Jason Davis; parents, Charles Davis and Phyllis (Barrow) Davis; and brother, Phil Davis.

Ron was born on Sept. 8, 1942, in Bloomington, and grew up in Elliott before moving to Gibson City during his high school years. He graduated from Gibson City High School in 1960 and joined the U.S. Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol, on Dec. 8, 1960, and they began their life together in Pensacola, Fla., where Ron was an assistant to the public information officer with the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. He then served aboard the USS Neosho AO-143 as an interior communications technician during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His love of the military did not end after his discharge, and he was a lifelong member of American Legion Post 24, where he served as a commander, and VFW Post 5520.

Ron spent most of his life in Champaign and was a State Farm insurance agent for over 34 years. During his career with State Farm, he was a two-time inductee into the Life Company Hall of Fame, a Millionaire Club member, was awarded with the Legion of Honor and served as president of the Champaign Area Association of Life Underwriters. After retiring from State Farm, he worked in investment banking at Busey Bank and earned his Series 6 and 7 licenses.

Ron had a great love of music and a beautiful singing voice. He was a 63-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, singing in seven different choruses throughout the country, and was named the Illinois Central District Barbershopper of the Year. His tenure was mostly with the Illini Statesmen Chorus in Champaign, and he served as chapter president. His quartet, The Good Measures, sang together for over 10 years and won the Illinois District Novice Contest.

Ron loved all sports and was a committed follower of the Fighting Illini and Chicago Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks and Bulls. He coached youth sports, including football, hockey and baseball, and led his baseball team, Electricians Local 601, to a city championship.

After the passing of his first wife, Ron was lucky enough to find love again and married Liz on Nov. 26, 1999. Ron and Liz were elated when they started having grandchildren, and they truly were the loves of their lives. Ron had very close relationships with all of them, and they miss their Papa dearly.  

Ron was a member of Holy Cross Church and served on the parish council, RCIA, WATCH, led Bible study, sang in the choir, and was a eucharistic minister.

One of Ron's greatest gifts in life was a kidney transplant from an anonymous donor. His greatest wish is that all would consider becoming an organ donor for those in need.

Ron spent the last three years of his life in Boynton Beach, Fla., and enjoyed living closer to his son and daughter-in-law. The move to Florida was very much a blessing, as his son later became ill and passed away in 2023. While his son's death was devastating, Ron's deep love of the Lord helped him cope, and he was forever grateful that he had that time with his son.

Visitation will be held at Morgan Memoriall Home on Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. Mass will be on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, celebrated by Msgr. Brownsey. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with military honors. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Church for Pro-Life. Condolences may be made at morganmemorialhome.com.