Ralph E. Davis

Ralph Ernest Davis, 82 of Adrian passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Bixby Medical Center. Ralph was born on April 27, 1930 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest child of Ernest and Hazel (Armstrong) Davis. He married Sylvia “Jean’ Mercer in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Ralph and Jean were married for almost sixty years and she survives. Ralph graduated from Beaver High School in 1949. He attended Geneva College before enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed in Alaska where he worked as a chemist. Ralph returned to college after being honorably discharged and was awarded a B.S. in Biology from Adrian College and went on to earn a Masters in Counseling from the University of Michigan. He worked as a chemist for Ashland Oil Company and was credited for discovering a way to make petroleum jelly clear. Ralph became a teacher in the Adrian Public Schools system and taught for more than thirty years. He worked as a counselor and teacher at both Drager and Springbrook Middle Schools. Ralph was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was ordained as a deacon in 1967 and also served as a youth leader. He was very proud of his years of perfect attendance. He joined the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Division in 1964 and was a lifetime member. He became a member of the Adrian Evening Lions Club in 1964 and volunteered for many community service projects and was a Little League coach for many years. Ralph was well known for his random acts of kindness. He would keep a gold dollar coin in his pocket and give them away with a quip and a big grin. To many they became a cherished keepsake. He delighted in telling stories and making people happy. In retirement he was a fixture in his neighborhood lending a helping hand to all in need. He mowed lawns, shoveled driveways, ran errands and acted as a chauffeur to many. He delighted in going to garage sales, spending time at his lake cottage and wintering in Phoenix, Arizona. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was always cheering (loudly!) from the sidelines. His eyes always sparkled and his smile lit up a room. His laughter was infectious and he always had a joke to tell. He was a very kind, genuine and giving person. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Allen Davis of Tipton and Gayle (Sam) Mitchell of Adrian; four grandchildren, Tory and Trey Mitchell and Zackary and Ashley Davis; and a sister, Mary Lou (Carl) Davidson of Phoenix. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Furedy of Glendale, Arizona. Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church of Adrian with Reverend James Splitt and Reverend Linda Farley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the service at noon. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home where online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Ralph E. Davis

April 27, 1930 - December 27, 2012