William "Bill" Lewis Davisson, born in Eugene, Oregon, on July 20, 1942, passed away from a heart attack on December 10, 2024. He was 82 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Beth Davisson (Castle). He is survived by his daughters Amy Galetzka (John), Rachel Davisson, Sarah Davisson; son Brett Davisson (Jena); grandchildren Paige, Maggie, Ashlyn, Hunter, and Nadia; and brother Gary Davisson (Linda).

Bill grew up in Springfield, Oregon, part of a hard working family. His father Frank worked in the timber industry, and his mother Anna as a waitress. Bill and his younger brother Gary got involved in sports with the neighborhood kids, which led to a lifetime love of sports, especially basketball and baseball. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1960 Bill fully intended to work in the woods like his dad. On a whim, he jumped in a car with some friends headed to Western Oregon University (then called OCE). There he played baseball and majored in Social Science, and studied to become a teacher.

In 1967, not long after graduation, he was hired to teach social studies at Silverton Union High School. He would stay there for the next 35 years. Over the course of his career he taught Government, Economics, History, Psychology, and Sociology. With the exception of

the last few years of his career, he coached football and baseball. Bill had a special love for baseball as a player and a coach, and he had an uncanny ability to give players just the right tip to improve their game (he would later apply this to golf!). His dedication to both the sport and the school would be recognized in 1999 with the naming of the Varsity baseball field, Davisson Field.

In 1972 he married Beth Davisson. Over the course of their 45-year marriage, they provided a warm and loving home for their children and grandchildren. Their strong marriage for so many years would be both a testament to others and a blessing for those around them. He provided well for his family, and he supported his children in all of their endeavors, whether academic, travel, athletic (again offering wise coaching), or otherwise. He continued to do the same for his grandchildren. Bill was faithfully engaged in Labish Evangelical Church and then Emmanuel Bible Church during his adult life, serving in various ways. His faith grew stronger throughout his life, especially after Beth died. In the last few years at EBC most everyone would see him in "his chair", taking notes from the sermon, or engaged in conversation. He anticipated heaven and longed for a reunion with Beth.

His life changed dramatically with the passing of his beloved wife in 2018. Anyone who knew them as a couple, knew that she was the one that kept them busy and connected with others. But to everyone's surprise, Bill became a bit of a social butterfly around the community after her death. It was not uncommon to see him multiple times a day somewhere around town: picking up some groceries at Roth's, parked at the baseball field doing his crossword puzzle, going to see his grandchildren, drinking coffee with his morning crew downtown, playing trivia at The Gallon House, catching up with old friends and former students, or watching whatever sports practice was happening at the time. In all of it he was eager to have a conversation or swap stories with anyone. Just like Beth, he remained thankful and faithful right up to the end.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 10:30 am at Emmanuel Bible Church (8512 Sunnyview Rd. NE, Salem, OR 97305). The phone number is (503) 364-6179.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's name to Emmanuel Bible Church (https://ebcsalem.tpsdb.com/Give/onlinegiving) or to the Silverton High School Baseball program (through the Silver Fox Foundation).