Robert Davis

All who knew Robert Davis would agree that he was one of the most generous men around. He was never one to worry about the little things, and when trials came his way he faced them head on. A loving and devoted family man, Bob treasured his roles as a husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. With a spirit of generosity that had no equal, he was the sort of person who would do whatever he could to help others in ways both great and small. Life will never be the same without Robert here to lend a hand, or an ear for support. He leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year in which the crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. Although the 1920s had been primarily prosperous days, things were very different with the strife and strain of the 1930s. It was as the calendar turned to welcome 1929 that Leopold and Mary Davis were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. On January 9th a baby boy Robert A. drew his first breath in Detroit, Michigan. He was first of three Davis boys raised in a flat in downtown Detroit alongside his younger brothers, Leonard and Gerald. To support their family, Robert’s father was one of many in the area who worked in the automotive industry employed by Chrysler. Robert’s mother also worked for Chrysler as a seamstress.

In many ways Robert was a young leader of his generation. It was commonplace that ice was delivered to the homes and neighborhoods in the city by a horse drawn carriage. Bob was so excited to have convinced the deliveryman to let him ride up front in the carriage with him throughout the city before school. He was so thrilled at the opportunity and loved the view and hustle and bustle of the city. As a teen Bob enjoyed speed skating on Belle Isle in the winter as well as fishing and picnicking with family during the summers.

New and exciting changes were in store for Bob when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Shirley, and it wasn’t long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Bob and Shirley were married, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 62 wonderful years. Bob proudly welcomed Shirley’s two boys, William and Robert, and raised them as his own. To support his family, he worked in production control in the automotive industry. The holidays were always special to Bob, and there was nothing he loved more than having everyone all gathered together to raise a glass and reminisce and count his blessings. Bob did his best to go above and beyond when it came to celebrating the holidays making everyone feel special.

Throughout his life Bob was a man of many interests. He had a deep love for animals, and he fed and took care of any strays and wild cats. Whether at home or at work, Bob could never let an animal go hungry, and he was always willing to help others care for their pets. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and gaming, and he also enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers. Very patriotic, Bob had a deep love and sense of devotion for his country, and enjoyed wining and dining. As his family and friends can attest, he was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Much of what made the things Bob loved so enjoyable was sharing them with the ones he loved. Nearly eight years before his death, Robert was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved wife. Bob missed Shirley every single day for the rest of his life.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Robert A. Davis had a zest for life that was contagious. He read people well, had a way of knowing what others needed and when they needed it most, and he always did what he could to help. Although he could be stern, Bob wore his heart on his sleeve. A friend of his was a friend for life, and many who were touched by his tender heart. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Family will receive friends Wednesday 2-9 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). A mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 N Haggerty Rd, Plymouth. Instate 10:00am. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.