Davis, Walter Matthew

Walter Matthew Davis, 89, left this life for his heavenly home on January 29, 2014. He was born in Queens, New York, on December 28, 1924, the oldest son of Vilma Kosnar Davis and Walter Daniel Davis and brother of the late Robert Charles Davis. Upon graduation from Baldwin High School (NY), he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the submarine service. Subsequently he was selected for the V-12 program and attended Union College (NY) and Bucknell University (PA) prior to graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY). He continued in the Naval Reserve, resigning as LTJG in 1959. Prior to that time he was doing research while employed by Sperry Gyroscope Company (now Unisys) and studying at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now part of NYU) where he received a Master of Electrical Engineering degree. Walt was employed by Sperry for over 38 years and was considered an expert on naval radar. After retirement he was retained as a consultant prior to moving to Blacksburg. Walter is survived by Kandy, his wife of 65 years, and their children: John (Diane) of Shelbyville, KY, Bruce (Lee) of Glastonbury, CT, Wendy Kelley (Joe) of Blacksburg, and Nancy (Richard) Palmer of Germantown, MD. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Thomas and Matthew Davis, Melissa and Kristin Palmer, Travis and Rachael Carey and one great-grandchild, Logan Carey, as well as his sister-in-law, Jean Haight Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Currently a member of Blacksburg Christian Fellowship, Walt was previously a Sunday School teacher and an elder at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glen Cove, N.Y. He also served as a leader in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and as a coach in Little League baseball. In addition to traveling, Walt’s interests included photography and woodworking as well as sailing his Cape Cod and Hobie Cat. Walter was a member of Hempstead Harbour Club (NY), the Montgomery County-Blacksburg Kiwanis Club and the Blacksburg Sports Club. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 2, at 2:30 PM at BCF, 2300 North Main Street. Many thanks are due to the staff of Kroontje Health Care Center for their excellent and compassionate care during his stay there, to Good Samaritan Hospice and to his many friends who have supported Walt and his family during his illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Walt Davis to the Ministerial Scholarship Fund at BCF, P.O. Box 813, Blacksburg, VA 24063 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.