HOLMESVILLE – Rupert Charles Davis Jr., 69, passed away on Dec. 12, 2006 at his home in Holmesville.
He was born June 2, 1937 in Cooperstown, a son of Rupert C. Davis and Ruth H. Beebe, both deceased. On July 25, 1959, he married Halys E. Houk.
Rupert spent his childhood in various places including the Otego area, but mostly in New Berlin. He graduated from New Berlin High School in 1956. He was a Manufacturing Engineer and started his career at GLA, Norwich, being with the company for 34 years. He then went to work for Electron Coil, Norwich, where he worked until his retirement.
He was a member of the Holmesville Baptist Church where he had been a Deacon, Treasurer, Jr. High Sunday School teacher, and he was very active with various other jobs and programs. He had been a Town of New Berlin Councilman, and at the time of his death was Fire Commissioner for South New Berlin. Rupert was a member of the Harold J. McIntyre American Legion in South New Berlin. He was in the Army from 1960 - 1962.
Rupert loved his Lord and his best friend and wife, Halys. He loved spending time with all of his family and with each additional grandchild and great-grandchild, he was more in awe of God’s great creation.
He enjoyed the outdoors working in his garden, mowing his lawn, and working on various household projects where he was accompanied by his dog, Brutus. His backyard was often filled with the laughter of children as he played kickball, softball, soccer, and many other games with them. More often than not, the neighbor children and friends to his children and grandchildren were also there.
He was a friend to many, always willing to lend a hand whenever there was a need. Sometimes it was helping with frozen pipes, broken furnace, brakes, or the occasional ride. He always had a kind word and had a wry sense of humor.
Rupert is survived by his children, Karen and Nick McKie of South New Berlin, Kim and Steve Voorhis of South New Berlin, Scott and Lisa Davis of Nazareth, Pa., Julie and Don Hunt of South New Berlin and Brent and Dawn Davis of Norwich; grandchildren, Michael and Katie McKie, Michelle McKie and Lance Thompson, Kyle Hunt and Nicole Bodie, Stacy Hunt, Justin Hunt, Ashley Davis, Ryan Voorhis, Andrew Hunt, Kirsten Davis, Eric Voorhis, Tiffany Davis, Amanda Davis, Noah Davis and Emily Davis; great-grandchildren, Nathan McKie, Anthony McKie and Tyler Thompson; sisters, Alice Southwich of New Berlin, Arlene and Sanford Jones of New Berlin and Lorraine Lindsay of Amherst; a sister-in-law, Gladys Davis of Ingleside, Ill. and his father-in-law, Hubert Houk of Burlington Flats.
He was predeceased by a son, Christopher; a brother, Arthur Davis; a sister, Shirley Davis and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Houk of New Berlin.
Funeral services will be at the Holmesville Baptist Church, South New Berlin, on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Romeyn Kipp and son, Rev. Scott Davis officiating. Calling hours will be Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.