William F. "Fip" Davis

William F. Davis

June 23, 1926     May 26, 2024

William F. “Fip” Davis, 97, of Martinsburg, passed away late Sunday, May 26, 2024, at The Village at Morrisons Cove.

He was born in Everett, PA, son of the late J. Grant and Margaret “Peggy” (Miller) Davis. He was the widower of Marjorie H. Davis who passed away in March of 2023. He and Marjorie were married for sixty-nine years. In addition to his parents and Marjorie, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline McDonald and two nephews, John McDonald and Mark Bryant.

Fip is survived by a sister, Joanne Lingenfelter of Sproul; two sons: Wes (Brenda) of Hummelstown and Bill (Lisa) of Martinsburg. Additionally, he is survived by four grandchildren: Brent Davis (Brenda) of New Paris, Gwyneth Davis (Kate) of Campbelltown, Macy Williams and Morgan Williams, both of Saxton. His three great-grandchildren are Deerin Davis, Asher Myers, and Slade Mitchell. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Lisa’s sister, Brenda Albertson, for her kindness in helping to care for Fip over the last year.

While still in high school, Fip enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Specifically, he was deployed to the USS Fulton, a submarine resupply ship. At the rank of Petty Officer, his job was to manage the ballast of the ship to keep it on an even keel during changing sea conditions.  Fip was very proud of his service to our country.

Upon his return from the war, Fip finished high school, graduating in 1948. He then used the GI Bill to attend Lock Haven University, where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. He would later earn his Master’s degree and Principal’s Certification from Pennsylvania State University. He was a sixth-grade teacher in the Claysburg-Kimmel School District for ten years before accepting a teaching position in the Spring Cove School District. He worked in the old Martin and Benson Elementary Schools as well as the Spring Cove Middle School for twenty-seven years before retiring. He loved teaching and interacting with students.

He was never one to withhold his opinion on just about any topic. This often led to spirited debates among family members and professional colleagues. Frequent topics were politics and Penn State football among others. Fip was an avid reader and could usually put forth a formidable defense on his position. Most debates were resolved amicably.

Fip and Marjorie were fitness enthusiasts and exercised regularly, walking through Martinsburg almost daily for the better part of forty years. Fip enjoyed the game of golf and was a member at Irons Masters Country Club.

He attended St. John’s United Church of Christ in Martinsburg for more than 60 years.

Fip was a loving husband and father.  He was always willing to have a catch or help fix a mini bike. Fip loved his entire extended family and enjoyed a life well lived.

Arrangements are by the John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg. Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in memory of Fip may be given to Martinsburg Community Library, 201 S. Walnut St., Martinsburg, PA 16662.

www.bolgerfuneralhome.com