H. Clair Davis

Harley Clair Davis, 88, died on July 12, 2015, with his family at his side in Avon Lake, Ohio. Clair was born July 29, 1926, in Kinsman, Ohio, on the Old Gravel Pit Farm a son of Harley C. Davis and Minnie Lane Davis. He lived his boyhood in Williamsfield and worked on his father’s farm following his graduation from Williamsfield High School, Class of 1944. Clair married his childhood friend, Dorothy (nee Hartley) in November 1945, and they moved to their farm, Davishire, where they raised Registered Holstein cattle. Clair loved farming and took special pride in his animals, naming each cow. When they were first married, they raised Newfoundland dogs for several years. In addition to farming, Clair also worked at Taylor Winfield, Warren, Ohio, for 23 years, before retiring in 1988. In 1992 Kraynak Nursery, purchased the farm, and in 1993 Clair and Dorothy moved to Andover, where they lived until his death. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Church of Williamsfield. Clair had a generous spirit, always offered a helping hand to anyone in need. After moving to Andover, he spent many hours in his yard beautifying his yard for everyone’s enjoyment. Clair enjoyed reading, especially about the Civil War, and enjoyed discussing the many battles. His hobbies were enjoying music and a late-developing interest in painting. Travel was prime, and he and his family visited all the states except Hawaii and Alaska. He and Dorothy also visited English friends, the Balderstones, a pen pal of her sister’s. They were also guests of their eldest daughter and her Army doctor husband whilst they lived in Germany. He enjoyed spending time with friends and especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His children and grandchildren loved to hear stories about his childhood and funny things that had happened through the years. It was always so much fun to sit and talk and laugh about the past. Although he wasn’t one to brag, he was especially proud of his children and grandchildren's special talents and accomplishments. Clair belonged to Williamsfield Grange No. 1654, holding several positions, as well as the Grand Lodge of True & Accepted Masons, Triandria Lodge No. 780, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 32o of the Valley of Cleveland, and Laker Ruritan Club, a community service club where he was secretary for 18 years receiving many accolades for his timely and accurate reports to the National Ruritan Office. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Dr. Angelo Petrolla. Clair is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years Dorothy, children, Jeffrey C. Davis (Janelle Cooper) of Geneva, Regran (Dr. Marvin) Leedy of Akron, Dr. Heather Petrolla of Youngstown, Amanda (Gary) Sebrosky of Bay Village; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; numerous step great-grandchildren;a brother Clinton Davis of Kinsman; several nieces and nephews and his beloved Beagle, Becky who was always by his side. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 2:00pm at Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Serive, 134 Prospect Street, Andover, Ohio. Calling hours will be on Saturday, July 18th from 1:00pm until the time of services. Burial will be in the Williamsfield Center Cemetery at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ashtabula Co. APL, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004, or the Andover United Methodist Church Building Fund, 181 S. Main St., Andover, OH 44003. An online guestbook is available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Williamsfield Center Cemetery
St. Rt. 7
Williamsfield OH 44093

Visitation

Saturday, July 18 2015
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service of Andover
134 Prospect Street P.O. Box 1450
Andover OH 44003

Service

Saturday, July 18 2015
2:00 PM

Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service of Andover
134 Prospect Street P.O. Box 1450
Andover OH 44003