Ronald Griffith Davis

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Ronald G. Davis, 89, of Mystic, CT and Leesburg, FL, announce his passing on October 19, 2020. He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He was born on April 14, 1931 in Pottsville, PA to Louise Gainer Davis and Tudor Davis.Ronald graduated from Pottsville High in 1949. Following high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Cabot. After the Navy, he attended Penn State University Schuylkill Haven campus (Engineering) and was a member of the first graduating class in 1953. He also attended Broome Tech in Binghamton, NY (Engineering), University of Santa Clara (Management) and Notre Dame-Belmont, CA (Business). He worked at Link Aviation in Binghamton, NY for six years before joining Lockheed Missiles and Space where he worked for 33 years as a Tech Rep/Field Manager with missile systems on submarines. His assignments took him to California, New Hampshire, Virginia, Rota Spain, Holy Loch Scotland, Florida, Georgia and Connecticut.

Ronald was a member of the Elks Lodge No.2163 where he served for a period of time as the Exalted Ruler. He was a member of the VFW, AmVets, SubVets and American Legion. He was also very involved with the USS Cabot reunion group where he served as president for a number of years. He was an active member of the Penn State Alumni Association. Ronald also served various positions with the Molokai Co-Op in Leesburg Florida. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Gales Ferry CT.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ethel (Wanchick) Davis; two children - Scott (Susan) and Todd (Heather); five grandchildren - Stephen (Shannon), Michelle (Griffin), Julie (Sean), Nicholas and Olivia and four great-grandchildren - Taylor, Chase, Cole and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his 96 year old brother Tudor Davis, his sister-in-law Julia Levy, nieces, nephews and numerous cousins including Bishop Ronald Gainer. He was predeceased by sister Claire (Schappell), brother Wallace and sister-in-law Irene Henninger.

Ronald was passionate about his family, friends, education, the Navy, and Penn State football. His kind heart was contagious and he had a strong motivation to help others. Ronald didn’t know a stranger and always had a welcoming smile and a funny proverb.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to their friends, neighbors and the community at Mystic River Square for their thoughtfulness and aid. A special thanks to dear friend and nurse Valerie Gilman. You have been the greatest blessing and a godsend.

Due to Covid restrictions, services and final resting date are to be determined. The location of the final resting will be Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made in Ronald’s memory to: Groton Lodge of Elks, ATTN: Secretary, 700 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340 to benefit the local Scholarship Fund; the SubVets, 40 School St, Groton, CT 06340 to benefit the local Scholarship Fund, or a charity of your choice.