Billy was born on March 13, 1955, to Walter and Ava Davis in Forest, Mississippi. He graduated from Louisville High School in 1973. He attended the University of Mississippi at Ole Miss for his undergraduate education where he excelled in advanced mathematics and medical sciences. Following his undergraduate education, he attended the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating in 1981. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1984. During his time at UMMC, he was inducted into the distinguished Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society where membership confers recognition for a physician’s dedication to the profession and art of healing. Dr. Davis was undoubtedly dedicated to his profession and well-respected by all who worked alongside him as he practiced medicine and served as the emergency department medical director at OCH Regional Medical Center for 30 plus years. In his spare time, Dr. Billy was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most of all, he was a loving husband, daddy, and grandfather. His calm and gentle spirit always served as an anchor of hope and resilience as he was an unwavering leader to his family, friends, colleagues, and patients through all walks of life.
Dr. Davis is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Dianne Patterson Davis of Louisville, Mississippi; and his children: Jess Davis of Germantown, Tennessee; Jennings Davis of Victor, Colorado; and Foley Davis Graham of Louisville, Mississippi. His greatest joy was being “Big Toe” to his granddaughter, Josie Kate Graham. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Rebecca Patterson Davis; brothers Gene (Midge) Davis of Brookville, MS; along with David Davis and James Davis both of Louisville, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother.
Serving as pallbearers are Vance Taylor, Steve Roberts, Rick Eaves, Lee Kirkpatrick, Hilry Woodruff, and Kevin McCarter. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Curtis Balius, Dr. Davis Woodward, Dr. Bill Carr, Eddie Coats, and the OCH Emergency Department physicians, nurses and staff that worked alongside him as his second family during his 30 plus year tenure at the hospital.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Drew Anthony and Dr. Dane Ballard for the exceptional medical care, guidance, and loving support they provided Dr. Davis and his family over the last several years.
