It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of William Eldred Davis “Bill,” of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and family.

He was born in Takoma Park, outside of Washington, D.C., on April 28, 1936, to Alma Frith Davis and Charles Robert Davis.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Elly; his son, Bill Davis Jr.; his daughter, Denise Carter; his stepdaughters, Brenda Long and Robin Rohn; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother, Alma Davis; his father, Charles R. Davis; his sister, Jean Stopa; and his brother, Charles R. Davis Jr.

Bill spent his early years growing up in College Park, Maryland. After his marriage to Eloise “Elly” in November 1987, he relocated to Florida. He graduated from Ben Franklin University in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and accounting.

His career began with Judd and Detweiller Printers, followed by a role as a contracting officer for the Defense Contract Audit Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, where he retired at the young age of 51. Bill was also a landlord in College Park, Maryland, where he owned and rented homes to University of Maryland students—a tradition that continues today with his son, Bill Jr.

Prior to moving to Florida, Bill built a mountain chalet at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, with the help of two of his nephews. Many happy weekends were spent there.

After his retirement and marriage to Elly, they relocated to Orlando and later moved to New Smyrna Beach in 1990. During this time, Bill’s passions included building homes in New Smyrna Beach and Brevard, North Carolina, where they divided their time between the beach and the mountains.

He also enjoyed traveling, as well as buying and selling antiques, which led to many unique collections. His hobbies included hunting and fishing with the “Outdoor Adventurers,” participating in poker and bridge groups, and spending time on puzzles, mahjong, and samba with his many friends.

His favorite song was “Old Time Rock and Roll,” and he could often be seen tapping his feet or dancing along.

Bill will always be remembered for his kind, gentle spirit, generous heart, and easygoing manner. He was a devoted family man—a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.