Dr. William H. Davis Jr.

Dr. William “Herb” Davis, 84, of Chapin, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was the husband of Diana Collins Davis. Their life as a couple began at Fort Jackson where he was an optometrist, and she was a dietitian. In April of 2023, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Born in Savannah, Georgia on December 13, 1938, Herb was the son of the late William Herbert Davis, Sr., and Isabelle Burnett Davis and was predeceased by his brother, Robert L. Davis. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee in January of 1963. He served in the Army from January 1964 to January 1967 and in the Vietnam War from March to December of 1966, as an optometrist. He was a managing partner and optometrist at Eye Associates of Cayce-West Columbia until his retirement in 2015.

He was formerly a member of Our Lady of the Hills of Columbia and member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church of Chapin, as well as the Cayce-West Columbia Rotary Club. He was extremely gifted in the field of optometry with a large patient following. His greatest gift was his ability to make lasting personal connections with his patients, friends, and family. He sought out time with his friends and family either by phone or in person to provide them with his undivided attention, love, and support. These deep connections created fond memories that will live on in all who knew and loved him. He was the rock of his family and always put their needs above his own.

Herb loved swimming, boating, and relaxing on the water in either Lake Murray or the beach of Hilton Head Island. In the summertime, he swam in Lake Murray daily and enjoyed weekly boat rides with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he was happiest when they were with him. He made time for each of them on golf cart rides, trips for ice cream, and time on the lake. He found joy in every moment and made a positive impact while on Earth through his kindness and love for people. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife, Diana, he is survived by his son, William Herbert Davis, III of Hilton Head, SC; daughter, Katherine Davis Gagne (Jim) of Marietta, GA; son, Michael Paul Davis (Courtney) of Chapin, SC; son, Matthew Thomas Davis of Fort Mill, SC; and his grandchildren, Riley Katherine Gagne (20), Ryan James Gagne (16), Elise Marie Davis (14), and Miller William Davis (9); his brother, Edward F. Davis (Joyce) of Salt Springs, FL; sister-in-law, Mickey C. Davis of Guyton, GA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be from 12:00pm – 1:00pm on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Chapin Chapel located at 123 Columbia Avenue, Chapin, SC with a memorial service to follow at 1:30 pm at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church located at 195 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin, SC. A burial for immediate and extended family will be held privately.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Davis family.

Please Note: The memorial service on Saturday, 8/5/2023, at 1:30pm will be available live using a live streaming service and may be accessed by using the following link:

https://boxcast.tv/view/the-funeral-of-dr-william-h-davis-jr-jdvq3qzqtpjobjhofwug?_gl=1*11iffz5*_ga*NzM3OTk2NTg2LjE2NTAyMDMxNjc.*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTY5MTA3MjA2OC4yMy4xLjE2OTEwNzIxODYuMC4wLjA__;KioqKio!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!PlV-SjLP8hfeDGSlelxBvbxt_daihn3aRjw9quMxx-Cdlg3NXr8A2Z4UvOYS-YdEslehHYIB40OjY8Zr1IYWj-5PqrBZTg$