Obituary for Chester Leon Davis II
Chester L. Davis II, 76, of Salem, Virginia, died Thursday, September 19, 2019, at a local hospital.
Son of Doris Ruth Smith Davis and Chester L. Davis, Chester was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from East Aurora High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College in Illinois. Following graduation, he served in the Peace Corp in Brazil where, in 1967, he met Rebecca Thomas, a fellow Peace Corp volunteer; and they wed in 1968. After their return to the U.S., Chet went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree from Yale University and a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree from Johns Hopkins University. He worked with the D.H.E.W. and served as an analyst in the National Academy of Sciences. Chester then worked in the Veteran’s Health Administration for forty five years where he was an advocate for medical research, the delivery of treatment, and the quality of care.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Davis; son, Nathan M. Davis (Miki); brother, Michael J. Davis (Sara Wahl); and sister-in-law, Betty Thomas Bailey (Clyde). Also left to cherish his memory are his beloved grandchildren, Kieran, Hayden, Kellen, and Ryan; his nephews, Michael II and Alexander Davis; and niece, Tristy Evely.
His life was celebrated in a private service.
Son of Doris Ruth Smith Davis and Chester L. Davis, Chester was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. He graduated from East Aurora High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College in Illinois. Following graduation, he served in the Peace Corp in Brazil where, in 1967, he met Rebecca Thomas, a fellow Peace Corp volunteer; and they wed in 1968. After their return to the U.S., Chet went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree from Yale University and a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree from Johns Hopkins University. He worked with the D.H.E.W. and served as an analyst in the National Academy of Sciences. Chester then worked in the Veteran’s Health Administration for forty five years where he was an advocate for medical research, the delivery of treatment, and the quality of care.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Davis; son, Nathan M. Davis (Miki); brother, Michael J. Davis (Sara Wahl); and sister-in-law, Betty Thomas Bailey (Clyde). Also left to cherish his memory are his beloved grandchildren, Kieran, Hayden, Kellen, and Ryan; his nephews, Michael II and Alexander Davis; and niece, Tristy Evely.
His life was celebrated in a private service.