July 27, 1928 – October 15, 2017
Daniel R. Davies, 89, long-time resident of Rockledge, Florida, peacefully went to Heaven on October 15, 2017. He was born in Smiths Crossroads, South Hill, Virginia on July 27, 1928, to Richard Wayland Davies and Elise Perkinson Davies.
At the age of six, he moved to Cross City, Florida. The eldest of four children, he was raised during the Great Depression and often worked before and after school on his father’s chicken farm. Despite this fact, in 1946 he graduated as valedictorian from Dixie County High School.
Thereafter, Dan enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years in Friedberg, Germany as a financial officer. When Dan returned to the U.S., he enrolled at the University of Florida and studied accounting for three years, receiving his B.S. degree in Business Administration with High Honors in 1952. Dan then moved to Governors Island, New York, as a 2nd Lieutenant to work as a financial officer for the U.S. Army at #2 Wall Street in Manhattan, New York.
Dan eventually moved to Tampa, Florida to work as a Certified Public Accountant for the Montenegro Accounting Firm. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited to their Cocoa, Florida office and decided to make Brevard County his permanent home.
In 1956, Dan met Ruth V. Lewis, the love of his life, and swept her off her feet. After a four-month courtship, they became husband and wife on December 29, 1956. Over the next five years, Dan and Ruth were blessed with four children.
During this time, Dan opened his own accounting firm, where he worked as a CPA and Certified Financial Planner. Dan was always willing to help those in need and was often consulted by his fellow CPAs. In 1970, he was elected president of the Brevard Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA). After many years of dedicated service, he retired from what eventually became known as Davies, Houser & Secrest in 2002.
Over the years, Dan often said, “It’s not about me, it’s about God.” Dan did his best to live his philosophy by dedicating himself to his church and various Baptist Associations. He served at First Baptist Church of Cocoa as their Treasurer from 1961–1987, as a Sunday School teacher for more than thirty years, and as a Moderator and Deacon for several years. In addition, Dan served as the Treasurer for the Brevard Baptist Association from 1973-1993 and on the State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist State Convention from 1978-1981.
Dan also enjoyed giving back to his community in various ways. He was active in the Kiwanis Club of Cocoa for more than fifty years, serving as President in 1964. In 1968, Dan played an integral role in the formation of the Brevard Achievement Center. After serving as a Charter Member on the Board of Directors and later as President, Dan was inducted into the Brevard Achievement Center Hall of Fame in honor of his many years of service.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for four local condominium associations over the years, Dan also served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the Baytree Community Development District from 1995-2000 and served on the Board of Directors for SunBank for several years. Additionally, as an auditor for the City of Cocoa, Dan played an integral role in obtaining the funding and support to build the Claude H. Dyal Water Plant for the City of Cocoa.
Throughout his life, Dan was an avid reader, loved listening to classical music, and enjoyed playing chess and bridge. He was a down-to-earth man who sought no attention or accolades. Despite this fact, he was well known for his intellectual prowess, his dry sense of humor, and his kind and generous heart. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Dan and Ruth enjoyed 55 years together before she was taken to Heaven in 2012. Until his passing, Dan often stated that Ruth was the best thing that ever happened to him. It is comforting to know that they are now together again, in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In addition to his parents and wife, Dan was predeceased by his brother, John W. Davies of Orlando, Florida.
Dan is survived by his four children, Cynthia Davies Aebli of Orlando, Richard M. Davies (Michelle) of Viera, Yvonne Davies Gaj (Mitchell) of Oviedo, and Kathleen S. Davies of Rockledge/Orlando. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Colin, Kristin, Ashley, Kevin and Aidan, and two siblings, Jane Meek of Atlanta, Georgia and Walter Davies of Clearwater, Florida.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa, 750 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, Florida. A Visitation with the family will be held immediately prior to the service, at 1:00 p.m..
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