William "Jerry" Davis

William Jerome “Jerry” Davis, age 87, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on November 28, 2018. He was born on July 28, 1931, to George and Wilma Davis of Mt. Sterling, Illinois. After graduating from high school, Jerry joined the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War. Jerry then attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later earned his master’s degree in Public School Administration. While at Culver-Stockton College, Jerry met Connie Bea Davis whom he married on August 2, 1953. They enjoyed dancing through life together for sixty-three blessed years. Jerry taught and coached in several school districts in Missouri before moving his family to Petersburg in 1967 where he worked as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for one year. The following year he became the Superintendent of Schools for PORTA School District and remained in this position for many years. Jerry worked diligently toward the passing of the tax referendum to build what many still call the “new high school.” This was accomplished his final year as PORTA’s superintendent. After resigning as superintendent, Jerry was employed by the State of Illinois. He was first at the Capital Development Board and later at the Department of Natural Resources where he worked until his retirement. Jerry was a longtime member of the Central Presbyterian Church of Petersburg. Jerry and Connie faithfully attended church here and at the First Christian Church where Connie was a member. Jerry enjoyed spending his time with family and friends as well as being involved with his community. He loved ballroom dancing with Connie, chauffeuring Connie around the country in their RV, singing in the church choir, being a ham radio operator, and making people laugh with his humor. Jerry donated his time as secretary to his church for many years and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He was a past board member for the Shambolee Golf Course. Jerry was a Mason, member of the VFW Honor Guard, and a past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Connie, his parents George and Wilma Davis, his sister Laura Feld, and his brother Jack Davis. Jerry is survived by his daughter Paula (Gerry Faw) Davis of Pensacola Beach, Florida; his son Serge Davis of Petersburg, Illinois; his daughter Marianne Meyer of Lebanon, Missouri; his granddaughters Shanda (Josh) Cullen, Bailey Davis, and Holly Davis; and his great-grandson Caleb Cullen. A visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg on November 30, 2018, from 4-7 P.M. A memorial service officiated by Chaplain Jan Costello will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg at 4 P.M. on Saturday, December 1, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the PORTA Foundation, the Central Presbyterian Church of Petersburg, the First Christian Church of Petersburg, or a charity of the donor's choice.

William "Jerry" Davis

July 28, 1931 - November 28, 2018

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