William Christopher Davis
January 26, 1985 – September 10, 2023
William Christopher Davis, also affectionately known as Chris, Willie, Senior Chief Davis, or Dizzle, age 38, passed peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer on September 10, 2023.
Born on January 26, 1985, Chris was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend. His life was a testament to strength, kindness, and unwavering love.
Throughout his life, Chris was known for his dedication and service to our nation. He proudly served as a Senior Chief in the United States Navy for 20 years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors and country.
Chris was a family man through and through. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, and his greatest joy was being a husband and father. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, music turned up loud, and being a family man. Chris loved to be outdoors and could be found either in his garage or by the grill cooking up something delicious. Most importantly he will be remembered for the unconditional love he showed to all.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jessica; his children, Zane, Rebecca, and Caitlyn; along with his parents, Randy and Selma; his brother, Rick (Ashleigh); and nephew Royce. He was preceded in death by numerous grandparents, cousins, and uncles.
The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Chris’ life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Ashland located at 800 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005. A reception will be held after the service in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Ashland.
The family wishes to thank Bristol Hospice Richmond (Jen Nix and Kristal Oppert) for giving Chris the opportunity to live his final months the way he wanted to (because we all know he preferred things to be done his way). Thank you, Jen and Kristal, for showing love, commitment, and dedication to Chris and his family.
Chris touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength. His memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.
Dizzle, you will always be remembered by those people who’s lives you touched.
Dizzle, you were a truly inspiring mentor in my life and my career. Rest in peace my brother.
To the Davis family, thank you for all the updates and I am very sorry for your loss. Through the heartbreak I hope you can find peace and comfort knowing Chris fought so hard through the pain to cherish those last few moments with you. I am so lucky to have had him and you all in my life.
Bro, Thank you for the mentoring. Rest in peace.
Chris, aka BBD to me! I will never forget the memories we had at VAW-124 and beyond! Your kind spirit and big heart will be forever missed! One of the greatest!!!!
Love you always,
Mama Bear
Chris you are one of a kind. These past few years getting to know you was so much fun. You brought so much love and laughter to our home as well as your own. You were not just a friend, but a best friend, a brother and like a second father to our Jessica. We love you, Chris. But you know that already. I’ll miss your big bear hugs. We will miss you on our porch with that voice you and Bryan used to drive me crazy! That laugh that made us giggle. In the words of our shared love of Southern History and Stonewall Jackson, “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.”. See you soon, Buddy.
Chris,
Though we only met a few times at our sons house for get togethers, you sure did know how to shoot some pool. Being a retired sailor myself I thought I knew how to tackle someone half my age but you won the pot. I wish we had more time to share evenings like we did. Rest well Senior Chief and Fair Winds and Following Seas. Fly High and storms behind you young man.
To the Davis family, Chris was loved by all and be rest assured he is in heaven in a much better place resting peacefully. Let us know if we can be of assistance during these troubling times.
Dizzle,
You are forever my brother in arms. You are missed and will forever be loved. I will miss you. Heaven gained an angel. I’ll see you again my brother.
Dizzle, you helped through some tough times and always had great and sound advice to help me through my professional and personal life. Thank you for being a great teacher, mentor and friend!
Chris I didn’t know you personally. But my son Wayne Vanderhoff Jr spoke highly of you. Rest in peace
Senior Chief
Thanks for filling in as my Quality Assurance Officer and Supervisor through our Maintenance Program Assessment Mar 2022 at HSC2. You called me daily wondering if you are doing it right since it was your first time being in QA as a Chief. Your team ended up being the best in the Wing with a score of 89.3 well above the Wings average of 71. I know you didn’t want that spot Naval Achievement Medal and it showed on your face; but I knew you were happy for your Sailors who also earned those medals for the programs you led. You also stepped in as my Maintenance Master Chief when we had a gapped billet. You were so infectious with your straight humor and you always kept it real with me as the Maintenance Officer. I will continue to pray for your family and I know you will be with them. Rest in Heaven Senior Chief; we have the watch.
Respectfully
CDR Mike Caffey
Maintenance Officer
HSC2
Thank you for your time here with us. I will never forget our late night phone conversations. You are one of the best Chief any young sailor can have in their corner. Rest easy my friend. Navy Chief, Navy Pride. Love you brother.
Hector R Medina
ADCS (AW), USN (Ret)
Chris,
I was saddened by the news of your passing. We picked up Chief together as part of Class 122. You helped me a few times during our season.
My sincerest condolences to your wife, kids and family. May the Lord cover them during this time of grievance.
Rest in Peace
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Ivan Paulino
ADC (AW/SW) USN (Ret)
My brother, You were one of my favorite people from my time at HM-12. You always lit up a room and were so much fun to be around. I can’t believe you’re gone. The Navy and the world are a better because of you and your contributions. My heart goes out to your family. Rest In peace bro.
Rob Barolín ATC (AW) USN (Ret)
Senior Davis,
My money man i loved you more then you knew thank you for making sure i stayed in the navy and on track. What an amazing man you where to have you in my life ,
I’m going miss you so much and i think about you all the time,
One last time for the road… WEADON GET TO THE SHOP
I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER!!
Weadon (USN)
Senior Chief , You made my time at VAW-124 smooth I enjoyed working with you all the detachments were memorable with you. I just can’t forget the last word and chat we had before my incident at Key West, thanks for everything. You are with the Lord now, rest on my brother and friend.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Davis family. Chris and I graduated High School together and I can’t ever forget those memories. Thank you Big Dawg!!
Saddened by your departure, yet knowing you are free from suffering, know your legacy will live on with every Sailor who had the privilege to serve along your side, impacted by your unique experiences and the ways you had to. see things in a different light. I celebrate your life, and send many blessings to your loved ones, May their sorrow help them heal, and bring about them the peace , joy and happiness.
He’s at peace now.
A wonderful man, son, brother, and nephew. Christopher “crossed the bar” all too young but not before he brought honor to his family, friends, shipmates, and country.
Farewell nephew until we meet again on that long voyage
“I am just a sailor, a protector of our land. A servant called to battle when my country takes a stand.”