Michael L. Davis passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Memorial Hospital on January 6, 2017 after a brief illness.
So many words describe Michael: loving husband, proud father, patient grandfather, generous friend, helpful neighbor, nature lover, chauffer, voracious reader, avid photographer, tree climber, boating and sailing enthusiast, and Facebook communicator.
Michael was born in Vallejo, CA to Gladys Marion Proud and Charles L. Davis on July 25, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Martin Davis of Ceres; daughter Cheryl Davis (Jason) Morrow; daughter Melinda Davis; grandchildren Corbin and Kailee Davis-Morrow; sister Nancy (Bruce) Jacobson; in-laws: James (Lorene) Martin; JoAn Martin Long (Dennis) Kelly; Bill (Jeanne) Martin; Karen Mendenhall (Eugene) Kajioka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He grew up attending schools in Anderson, CA, Class of 1961. He attended Shasta Jr. College and graduated from UC Berkeley in 1969 with a B.S. in Architecture and Design. He was an avid photographer and documented many of the demonstrations during tumultuous historical times at Berkeley. This was his way of demonstrating his belief of equality for all people. He was respectful of varying beliefs and an advocate for equality. He was a student of life!
Michael was an active member of the United Methodist Church for 60 years. He chose to volunteer his time to facilitate his daughters’ and their friends’ many activities: 4-H, church and youth groups, school, sports, dance, music, cheerleading, shopping excursions, and photography fieldtrips all over California. He gave his time freely in helping others! He was always helping someone from trimming 50’ trees to babysitting grandchildren and grand-dogs, repairing hot water heaters to designing fences. He enjoyed music and the arts. He appreciated reuniting with classmates, had a quirky sense of humor, and greatly cherished time with family.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to be made in his memory to Turlock First United Methodist Church, 1660 Arbor Way, Turlock, CA 95380 or Habitat for Humanity, 630 Kearney Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at 11am on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Turlock United Methodist Church. Please join his family for a time of fellowship and sharing in the Social Hall immediately following the service.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.AllenMortuary.com
