Thomas James Davis

Thomas James Davis, 79, of Menasha, WI, who fought Parkinson’s disease for 22 years, died peacefully at home on June 28, 2024.

He was born in Appleton, WI on June 18, 1945, to Frances (nee Harlin) and George Davis. Tom attended Xavier High School and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. He served in the Army Reserves from 1964-1971. He married the love of his life, Margie Rea, in Miami, FL in 1972. They raised their three children in Manitowoc, WI and resided there for 45 years until moving to Menasha in 2022 to be closer to family.

Tom was an insurance agent and retired from Sentry Insurance after 37 years. He was involved in the Holy Innocents Church and Roncalli community. Tom was proud to be a 16-gallon blood donor and bone marrow donor. He served as president of Shady Lane Assisted Living & Rehab for several years and as a board member for over 15 years. Tom was very active in the Manitowoc Rotary, and responsible for many of their fundraisers. He also served as president and was the recipient of the Club’s first Rotarian of the Year award as well as the Paul Harris award. Tom was also a huge supporter of the University of Wisconsin, Manitowoc campus. He was the president of The Foundation and attended classes for knowledge sake. Tom’s hobbies included his love of cars, boats, collecting unusual toys and his model trains. He rarely met a deal he could pass up. 

Of Tom’s many accomplishments he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He frequently attended and always supported their sports games and school activities. He enjoyed family vacations and regular visits while wintering in Florida for many years. There was very little Tom would not do for his family. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Margie Davis (Menasha, WI), his daughter, Elizabeth Williamson and her husband Shane and children Ryan and Kelsey (Winneconne, WI), his son George Davis and his wife Shanna and son Warren (Menasha, WI), and his son Bill Davis and his wife Melanie (Nashville, TN). Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances Davis, and his only brother, John Davis.

Tom enjoyed his family, his community and himself. He had a friendly way and a sense of humor. Tom believed in leaving a place, any place, better than he found it. Tom and Margie have many friends and family, and he will be missed.

Visitation for Tom will be held July 9, 2024 from 10am-11am, followed by a Memorial Service and Military Funeral Honors graveside from 11am-12pm at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, 686 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. 

Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Make a Wish Foundation.