William H. Davies Jr.

William H. Davies, Jr., Eustis, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, January 14, 2011.
Mr. Davies was born June 26, 1943 in Hawesville, Ky to I. D. Mae Emrich and William H. Davies, Sr.
At his graduation from Beechmont High School in 1941 he delivered the Salutatorian speech about how with “definite purpose” and “hard work” you can “bring anything worthwhile to pass”. Time and again throughout his life he would demonstrate his honor and commitment to these values.
His education at Bryant Stratton College, Louisville, Ky., was interrupted by WWII in which he served his country as an officer and pilot in the Air Force.
He returned from the Air Force in 1946 and always joked that all the commercial pilot jobs were gone!
As a gifted salesperson, his second career choice was the insurance industry and like with everything else he did in life, he approached this opportunity with definite purpose and hard work and he achieved great success. Starting as an agent with Commonwealth Life Insurance in 1949, he was named their Chairman of the Board and CEO in 1979.
After his retirement from Commonwealth Life in 1984, Bill moved to Florida and became CEO of American Sun Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Davies was active in every community he lived. He was a member and served as President of various local clubs including the Frankfort Rotary, Lion’s , Optimist clubs, YMCA of Louisville and two terms as President of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Directors of numerous non-profit organizations and commercial businesses.
Bill was an avid fisherman enjoying many trips to Canada with friends and family. He was a gifted storyteller who could take everyday events and have you laughing in tears by the end. He never forgot anyone he met and always greeted them by name and remembered something personal about them.
He was well known for his love of Christmas decorations and his house was always the highlight of the neighborhood. He was upbeat and always had a smile on his face. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved to travel, enjoyed watching UK sports, and woodworking. He was especially proud of being a Kentucky Colonel.
He was a devoted father and doting grandfather.
He married the former Cleo Douglas in1943 and she predeceased him in 1995 after 51 years of together. After Cleo’s death he married Pauline Lewis and they were together for 14 years.
He is survived by his wife Pauline Davies; children, William H. Davies, III, Frankfort, Ky, Doug (Rachel) Davies, Louisville, Ky, Duane (Carol) Davies, Baltimore, Md, and Kim Kubicina, Eustis, Fl; grandchildren Brad (Janet) Davies, Brian Davies, Jennifer (Aaron Coffey) Davies, Emory (Ari) Davies, and Ashley Allen; step grandchildren Mary Beth Lambert, Franklin, Tn and John Davis, Lawrenceburg, Ky; great-grandchildren Alex and Austin Davies. Also surviving are two brothers Charles E. Davies, Sr., Eustis, Fl and Dr. James (Martha) Davies, Bend, Or and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Harrod Brother’s Funeral Home in Frankfort, Ky.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, FL or Crusade for Children, Louisville, Ky. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis