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Charles Franklin Davis Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home

9000 West 151st St

Orland Park, Illinois

Charles Davis Obituary

Davis Jr., Charles Franklin age 71, lived life to the fullest every hour of everyday. On January 22, he took leave of his ailing body and joined his wife, Florence (nee Stevenson), in God's heavenly kingdom. He leaves behind his wife, Constance (nee Stevenson), daughters Kimberly (Charles) Van Fossan, Florence (William) Karabel, Jean (Scott) LaVallie, Nancy (Lynn) Utesch, Jennifer (Steven) Imig, and sons Charles III (Ann) and Christopher (Paula). Stepchildren Charles (Maggie) Textor, Glen (Jackie) Textor, Bryan (Jen) Textor, Alison (Donnie) Higgins, and Andrew Textor. He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and step-grandchildren ages from 19 years to 3 days. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Lou (Hughston) MacConnell, Marjorie (Dewey) Wenzel, Patricia (Ignatius) Ayala, and brother John Davis and many nieces and nephews. We will all miss him very much. The second child of Charles Franklin and Mamie (nee Shannon) Davis, Chuck was born Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933. He spent much of his youth in Johnson City, IL, where he was known as "Sonny". After moving to Calumet City, IL with his family in 1943, Chuck attended Thornton Fractional H.S. He joined the Army and attended Officer's Candidate School graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was a proud Veteran of the Korean War. A civil engineer, Chuck worked on the construction of O'Hare International Airport and the westward expansion of I-80 in the early 1960's. Later that decade he helped found and build two construction companies, Silvestri Paving Company and Davis Concrete Construction Company. He was a board member of the Illinois Roadbuilder's Association from 1977-1981, Local 150 Apprenticeship Committee 1982-1985, Infant Jesus of Prague Parish, Flossmoor, IL, Athletic Board, and Heritage Bank of Country Club Hills, 1975-1990. Though he worked hard 6 days a week he still found time for family. He coached his boy's hockey teams, attended tennis matches, ice shows, piano recitals, swim meets, and horse shows. He loved the impromptu talent shows, "studios", that his grandchildren delighted in performing for him. He fostered in his children and grandchildren a deep sense of responsibility and was a great example of the rewards of hard work and a can-do attitude. He taught us all to love and appreciate poetry. Later in life, when a doctor suggested that he find a hobby, Chuck began his love affair with vintage racecars. He became one of the world's leading authorities on racecar legend Harry Miller and his racecars. A founding member of the Harry A. Miller Club and a contributing Founder of the Miller/Offenhauser Historical Society, Chuck was considered the "dean" of the Miller racecar community. Harold Peters, fellow racecar enthusiast and Founder of the Miller/Offenhauser Historical Society said Chuck "had consummate knowledge of the history and mechanical details of every aspect of his racecars. He was also a gracious host and benefactor." His racecars won prestigious awards all over the U.S., most recently at the Amelia Island Concourse. He delighted his friends and family at the Annual Miller Club Meet at the Milwaukee Mile Racecourse, Milwaukee, WI. At the time of his death, Chuck was a resident of Washington Island, WI, and Marco Island, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Florence, brothers-in-law Charles Textor, David Stevenson, and Gordon Bartman, sister-in-law Loretta Stevenson (nee Wojtaszek), son-in-law Russell Halvorson, nieces Kathleen and Diane Bartman, and nephew James Lewis. Visitation Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. from the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, to St. Mary Church, Mokena, Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Washington Island Cemetery, Door County, WI. 708-857-7878 www.sheehyfh.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Davis

24 Entries

Dr. John Baeke

January 18, 2025

Still miss Chuck, and find myself often telling others... new to the old racecar scene... stories about him. He is still missed.

Chuck and Flo.....so happy together.

February 19, 2005

In the Studabaker with his grandson Russell.

February 19, 2005

Chuck Coached and supported Hockey clubs for his Boys for Several years

February 19, 2005

Chuck (Sonny) as a young man.

February 10, 2005

Chuck and his Miller Race cars at the "Milwaukee Mile"

February 10, 2005

Larry And Lois Harvell

February 3, 2005

Chuck was every man's man. A real friend to Washington Island and to

all it's residents. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Dorothy & John Gay

February 2, 2005

It is very sad news to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a fine person, very generous and outgoing, full of mischief and always ready to laugh. He embodied the definition of a Good Guy. We will all miss him. Dorothy & John Gay & Family

Marilyn Thornbery

February 1, 2005

To the Davis Family, especially Nancy. I am extremely sorry to hear of your fathers passing.

He was a very gracious Person.

may you all rest easier knowing hes with your mom.

Marilyn Thornbery( former island resident)

JJ and Jackie Ehlenfeldt

February 1, 2005

Just heard of the loss of Chuck to his family and the Washington Island community. We were fortunate to know him during our summers on the island. He graciously shared his "racecars" with us and our friends. Godspeed.

Jackie & JJ Ehlenfeldt

Anne Hoefler Ritchie

January 31, 2005

Chuck, Ann and All,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your Dad's smile be with you always.

David Dunagan

January 31, 2005

Dear Charles and Chris Davis and families,

We offer our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your father. We will keep you in our prayers.

Dr. David Dunagan, Diane, and Gina

John Dramisino

January 27, 2005

Sincere condolences to the Davis family. I remember Mr. Davis through youth hockey. He always had a kind word and a smile for the boys.

A class act. May he rest in peace.

Ted and Charlotte Hansen

January 26, 2005

Our sincere sympathy to the entire Davis family. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather has left you. Everyone on the Island has lost a good friend too.

Michael Wenzel

January 26, 2005

I was saddened to learn of my uncle's passing.

I always enjoyed our visits. Uncle Charlie had a knack for engaging you with a certain charm and wit that only he could exemplify.

I was also touched by his exceptional devotion to our grandmother.

Marilyn and I extend our deepest sympathy to my cousins and Connie during this time of grief.

Martin and Mary Andersen

January 25, 2005

Of all the homes we have built for people on Washington Island, we enjoyed working with Chuck and his wife the most. He not only had us build his summer home, but had us find the land for him as well. He always rewarded our employees for good work as if they were his own. He represented the kind of business man that all business men should be. He will forever be respected by us and always be remembered as a genuine nice guy. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

Richard Duffy

January 25, 2005

Chuck Davis III and Family

Growing up in Flossmoor I remember your father as a Succesful, sharp and classy man. He certainly had my respect. My condolences Charlie.

Ken Bartman

January 25, 2005

There are people you respect in life and they influence you in a positive way. Uncle Charley was certainly that for me. The values of kindness, honesty, integrity, family, altruism came through in every conversation I ever had with him. There was always a lesson to be learned when speaking with him. I will miss our talks.

The world is a better place because of Charley. His legacy will carry on for generations through his wonderful family and all the lives he touched. He was a giant of a man.

Washington Island Ferry Line

January 25, 2005

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Chuck Davis. He was a very kind and generous person to all he met. Our prayers are with you.

John Baeke

January 25, 2005

I was extraordinarily fortunate to have been able to call Chuck Davis a close friend. The saddness I feel pales by comparison to that felt by his wonderful family. My heart-felt sympathies to them all, especially his wife, Connie.

Most sincerely, John Baeke,M.D.

Jack L. Martin

January 24, 2005

Jack L. and Nan E. Martin Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the Family members. Chuck is missed and we're proud to have shared his friendship!

TOM & JOANNE CLEAVES

January 24, 2005

{Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of CHUCK. He will be greatly miss in the MILLER VINTAGE CAR RACING CLUB GATHERINGS

Tom Cusack

January 24, 2005

I had the very good fortune of meeting Mr. Davis on only one occasion. That single occasion left a feeling of meeting a true, sincere and caring individual. We briefing started to talk about his love of old cars and instantly I felt as if I was in a seminar about the Miller Automobile taught by a scholar! I also had the occasion to meet his two sons. As my mother used to say, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"-they are great individuals, too. We all have lost a great friend and a great guy. May he now Rest in Peace. I hope that God can construct the racetrack that he's on right now racing those Miller Automobiles!

James Whitting

January 24, 2005

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Davis family during this difficult time.

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