Obituary - McGorry-Hanna Funeral Home
https://www.mcgorray.com/obituaries/STE ... rRaBCNZYwM
STEPHEN MICHAEL DAVIS
8/15/1954 – 12/2/2020
Steve was born in Bedford, Ohio to Kenneth and Jacquelyn Davis. He and his sister Christie Crane (David Crane) lived in many states throughout the U.S and Western Samoa before returning to Ohio to complete high school at Western Reserve Academy and college at Ohio University. He and his wife, Ruthy Davis (nee Mallinak), raised five children, Lindsay Miller, Drake Miller (Jen Miller), Kelsey Whitacre (Donnie Whitacre), Julianne Davis and Trevor Davis. Their family was further expanded by the addition of eight grandchildren and a pack of loyal pooches.
A reliable phone-a-friend; Steve was a lifelong learner, eager to share trivia with anyone who would listen. Self-taught in a variety of skills, he approached nearly everything in an unconventional way, whether it be open tuning of his various stringed instruments or woodworking without the assistance of power tools. His disdain for the extravagant was reflected in his easily-recognizable uniform of white button-up shirt, blue jeans and Birkenstocks.
Although firm in his beliefs, he always sought to understand others’ points of view. His ability to listen and pose thought-provoking questions made him an engaging partner in conversation or debate. His influence expanded well beyond his immediate family. He remained an active participant in local politics throughout his time in the community. Nobody would have guessed a person who grew up in places as far-flung as Upstate New York and Western Samoa was as well-connected as any native Lakewoodite.
He had a kind and gentle heart and enjoyed spending time with his Lakewood family including four grandchildren and nephew, Matt Mallinak. The driveway was his social club and he was quick to pull up a lawn chair and offer a cold drink to any passerby. He spent countless hours on the drive talking, playing guitar and drinking Scotch with his closest friends.
He spent his working years as a salesman for several local printing companies, the most recent being North Coast Litho.
Fear of flying aside, he saw no flyover states. He lived for the roadside attractions between destinations you might otherwise miss in a plane. The scenic route was the only option. Together with his wife of 33 years, Ruthy, he road tripped across the U.S. visiting places like the Outer Banks, Nashville, the Utah desert, Colorado, Mackinac Island, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. He and his family spent nearly a dozen summers at the Chautauqua Institute where he immersed himself in art, music and lectures.
He delighted in his own quirks; humored by his inverted signature in red ink on every birthday card and his deliberate, but playful misidentification of critters with his grandchildren. He was well loved by his family and friends. His bright smile and jovial laugh will be remembered as we continue to share his stories.
Details of the arrangement will come at a later date.
Donations can be made in Steve’s Memory to:
H2O – Help to Others youth volunteer program
http://thelakewoodfoundation.org/donate-2/
Or
Iideastream
https://www.ideastream.org/donate-now
.
