Bill Davis

Bill Davis, 96, of S. Country Club Circle, Carlsbad, NM, passed away February 25, 2022 at his home. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 3, 2022, 1:00 PM at Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 1558 in the Ballroom, 1558 Elk Drive.

Bill was born January 21, 1926 in Loving, NM to Jonas Benjamin and Hilda (Dewitz) Davis. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1943 where he lettered in football under Coach Ralph Boyer.  While still in high school, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corp to serve his country during World War II. Immediately following graduation and training, he was deployed and stationed in England. He served on 28 strategic bombardment missions over Germany in the 447th Bomb Group as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Upon Germany’s surrender, he returned to Carlsbad where he met Genie Malone. They married January 27, 1950 and he never stopped courting her. Bill worked at Gossett’s Jewelry during high school and after his return from serving during the war. In 1967, Bill became a State Farm Agent where he worked until retiring in 1994. His goal was to always bring peace of mind and high-quality service to his customers. Bill was especially proud as his daughter, Linnie, also served as a State Farm Agent in Carlsbad. Finding additional ways to serve his community, he participated in the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and other civic organizations for many years.

An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and traveling with Genie and dear friends in their RVs. He never missed the opportunity to take Genie dancing. He was very active in the Carlsbad Horsemen’s Association, as Linnie grew up loving and riding horses. Bill’s true social passion was the Elks Lodge and the charitable endeavors championed by the organization. As an Elk, he served in many capacities, including the President of the New Mexico Elks Association, South District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Exalted Ruler, and numerous other positions at the local, regional and state level. He was proud to have participated and honored numerous times as an All-State Ritual contestant. Upon his death, he was the oldest and longest-serving member of the Carlsbad lodge at over 71 years of membership.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Genie Davis; daughter, Linnie Davis Currier; sisters: Alice Turner, Betty Beeman and Pauline Snelson.

Survivors are his granddaughter, Missi Currier; son-in-law, Mike Currier; brothers: Jim Davis, Bobby Davis and wife, Denise; sisters: Patty Davis and Charlotte Baxley and husband, Montie, numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank the wonderful ladies who tirelessly and selflessly helped care for Bill to ensure he was able to live independently in his beloved home that he shared with Genie for over 50 years. 

Should friends desire to make memorial contributions, they may be made to Carlsbad Community Foundation, Linnie Davis Currier for the Love of Horses Fund, 114 S Canyon St, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or charity of their choice.