Eugene E. (Gene) Davis, 92, of Savoy, formerly of Grayslake, passed away surrounded by family at 8:38 a.m. Saturday (April 22, 2017) at The Waterford at Bridle Brook, Mahomet.

Gene was born August 7, 1924 in DeKalb, a son of Reuel and Hattie Davis, the youngest of four children. He married Carley Chapman on June 14, 1947. She passed away November 27, 1991.

Gene is survived by two daughters, Lynn Rosene (Marty) Vogel of Mahomet and Jo (David) Melton of Rockford; six grandchildren, Gary (Alyssa) Fee of Shakopee, MN; Jeff (Taryn) Fee of Rockford; Brad (Ellie) Melton of Normal; Jennifer (Kevin) Orcutt of Union Grove, WI; Stephanie (John) Farney of Urbana; and Christine Vogel of Park Ridge; nine great grandchildren, Gavin and Aiden Fee; Darby and Fletcher Fee; Brodie and Levi Melton; Collin and Hannah Orcutt; and Nate Farney. He is also survived by dear friend and golf partner of many years, Jim Sharp, of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Warren, Don and Bob Davis; and son-in-law, Tom Rosene.

Mr. Davis attended DeKalb Schools, received his Bachelor degree from Northern Illinois State Teachers College, DeKalb, and Master of Education degree from Roosevelt University, Chicago. In the fall of 1950, he began his teaching career in Plano. He later taught at Grayslake CCSD 46. In 1954, Gene was named Superintendent of Schools for Grayslake CCSD 46, where he remained until his retirement in 1981. After his retirement he served as Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools for Lake County. He was a founding member of the Lake County Superintendents Association and the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL). He was also a member emeritus of the American Association of School Administrators.

He was a member and former Chief of the Grayslake Volunteer Fire Department and was a lifetime member of American Legion, Grayslake, Post 659.

Gene was a proud veteran of World War II, serving his nation as a Navy Seabee, Spec Battalion, in the Aleutian Islands and the South Pacific. It was rare to see him without his Seabees hat. One of Gene's most treasured memories was traveling to Washington, D.C. with his granddaughter Stephanie as part of the Central Illinois Honor Flight in October, 2011.

Gene was an outstanding athlete. He played on a championship football team at DeKalb High School, and was named All-State in 1941. Following World War II, Gene pitched for Northern, helping lead the University to the 1950 Conference Championship. As part of that team, Davis was enshrined in the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. He later played semi-pro baseball for several club teams in Northern Illinois. On September 6, 1951, Davis was the first person to strike out Bill Veeck's famous midget player, 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel. Pitching for the Sycamore Moose, Davis did it in 3 pitches. He was also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Gene had a passion for golf and played often with his friends at several courses throughout the country. He recorded four holes-in-one.

In accordance with Gene's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana, is assisting the family. Memorials should be directed to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.