Matthew Garrett Davis

Williamston, Michigan

Matt Davis died February 3, 2016. Those who knew and loved him already miss his thoughtfulness, keen intellect, bravery and—most of all—his generous heart.

A native Ohioan, Matt grew up in Worthington amid a caring family and tight-knit group of friends. He graduated from Worthington High School in 1982 and from The Ohio State University in 1990. While at OSU, he served as editorial page editor for the school’s newspaper, the Lantern. There, he cultivated his skills as a journalist who will long be remembered for his curiosity and integrity—as well as his lifelong love of All Things Buckeye.

During Matt’s journalism career, he worked at the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, New York; the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Detroit Free Press. In 1997, Matt went to work for the State of Michigan, serving as communications director for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He continued to work in state government while he pursued a J.D. from Cooley Law School, which he obtained in 2004. Matt ended his career as a noted attorney specializing in civil rights, election and campaign finance law.

While Matt was proud of his professional accomplishments, he would tell you his greatest achievement was marrying Penny (Bismack) Griffin in 2001. Together they and their three children Zachary, Henry and Katherine, built a home filled with laughter and love.

Matt is profoundly missed by his immediate family and an extraordinarily wide circle of friends and colleagues. Matt is also mourned by his mother, Carol (Black) Davis, father Clifton Davis, sister Victoria Davis, and nephews Monty and Devon. He is also missed by his parents-in-law, Charles and Patricia Bismack, and sisters-in-law Holly Socha and Heather (Harland) Haugen, nieces Jamie and Erin Socha, and nephews Jesse and Jacob Haugen.

Visitation is Friday, Feb. 5 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston. Times are 4:00–8:00 pm, with the rosary prayed at 7:30 pm.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamston, where Matt was a faithful parishioner, on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11:00 am. Fr. Mark Rutherford will be officiating. St Mary's is located at 157 High Street, Williamston, MI. Luncheon will follow in the church’s Activity Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, suite #307, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston, MI.