Edward Lee Davies

Ed was an outstanding athlete throughout high school and college excelling in wrestling with a 99-1 record at Fresno City College and Fresno State University. He graduated from Fresno State University where he was honored as Athlete of the Year in 1963. During his lifetime Ed was a competitive athlete in many other sports - diving, baseball and golf to name a few.

After graduation he started his career in education at Clovis Unified School District as a teacher and coach. In 1971 Ed accepted an offer from the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. His first assignment was in Okinawa. This began his 25 year career with DoDDS as a teacher, coach, athletic director and school principal in Okinawa, Korea, the Philippines and Japan.

In 1972 he returned to Fresno for the summer to marry Kay. Ed returned to Okinawa for the beginning of the school session with Kay and son Brian and began a wonderful life filled with traveling, making many friends and pursuing a career in which he loved and excelled. During Ed's tenure as principal, Seoul American High School was awarded the National Distinguished School of the Year Award in 1985. Receiving this award for the school community from Secretary William Bennett in Washington D.C. was a highlight of his career. Throughout his life he achieved many accomplishments but two significant ones included continuing his education and earning M.A. and PhD degrees through Michigan State University.

In 1997 after retiring from DoDDS Ed and Kay returned to the United States where they both continued their careers in education with Fresno Unified School District. In 2006 he finally retired full time to enjoy his days on the golf course, take care of the home front, and continue to travel the world visiting old friends, making new friends and enjoying the culture of each place visited.

Ed was a man filled with an eye for adventure, stories to tell and many passions that he was able to pursue in his 77 years. His greatest love was his family and he spoiled rotten his grandsons – Leo, Isaac, Rhys, his furry companion Bernie and maybe Kay too! He also cherished the many friends he made around the world.

Ed was predeceased by his father Edward Davies and father-in-law and golfing/card playing partner Leo Castle. He is survived by his mother Caroline Davies and mother-in-law Neva Castle, wife Kay, children Ed (Marta), Dan (Kathleen), Julia (Scott) and Brian (Tiffany), brother Bob (Pam) and sister Kathy, brother-in-law Ray and grandchildren Kenny, Nhatale, Leo, Isaac, and Rhys.

Remembrances may be made to the Community Food Bank, Bulldog Foundation Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. concluding with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be conducted on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church.