Russell S. Davis

Russell S. Davis, 81, of Bainbridge Township, Ohio, passed away on June 26th after a brief illness. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 55 years, Susan (nee Ramsay), and their two children, Brett (Shannon) and Emily (Daniel Doyle) and four treasured grand-children, Madeline, Jack, Alexander and Zoe. He is also survived by his brothers Roger and Reginald and his sister Peggy. He was predeceased by his beloved mother and father, Hazel and Roger Davis.

Russ graduated from Solon High School where he was a multi-sport athlete. He attended Ohio University and served his country in the US Army as a paratrooper. Russ supported the family business by working alongside his parents at their Solon taverns, The Annex and Roger’s Bar. Russ went on to work in the insurance industry and later, land development. He and Sue developed the first phase of the Hawksmoor subdivision in Bainbridge.

Russ was a favorite little league coach and always fostered a feeling of camaraderie and teamwork amongst his players. He not only taught the fundamentals of baseball but also the importance of strategy, good sportsmanship and fair play. He was so dedicated to the Kenston community, he would, when necessary, load up his own mower and haul it to the various baseball fields in Bainbridge and Auburn to cut the grass so the kids could play.

Russ had a passion for motorcycles and spending time with family and friends. He organized several Father-Son-Daughter Ride-Ins, traveled extensively in the continental United States, Alaska, Mexico, Europe and the United Kingdom on motorcycle with his enthusiastic wife as well as with his buddies. He served as Road Captain for the local chapter of the BMW Motorcycle Club and could always be counted on for pro tips in motorcycle maintenance or a cold beer at the end of a ride.

Russ loved riding his bicycle as well as camping with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He read voraciously and soaked up knowledge like a sponge from his vast library of fiction, non-fiction and just about every motorcycle magazine ever printed.
Russ was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend and loyal dog-owner. He will be dearly missed.

The Davis family would like to thank the Palliative Care and Hospice teams at Hillcrest hospital for their compassionate and respectful care during Russ’s final days.

A gathering for family and friends will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Geauga County Rescue Village or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.