William Thomas Davis was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on March 9th 1937, the son of W.T. Davis and Lillian Louise Ballowe. A lifelong and proud Virginian, he passed on May 2nd 2021. Bill was descended from several founding families of Virginia, including Colonel George Reade, who was the first Acting Governor of Virginia and member of the House of Burgesses; Augustine Warner, who served as the Speaker of Virginia’s House of Burgesses; Nicolas Martiau, known as the Father of Yorktown; and Colonel Thomas Ballowe, who led the 2nd Virginia Militia during the War of 1812.
The Davis family “business” was tobacco farming and construction; however, “Billy” left to attend the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a degree in Physics, residing on The Lawn. Bill then entered the Navy, served aboard the aircraft carrier Independence, and supported NATO missions with the British Navy aboard the aircraft carrier Centaur. While serving in Singapore, he met his British bride, Wendy Rolls, who taught primary school students on the Royal Air Force Base. They married in 1964, returning to the United States where they settled into a happy life as 50-year-plus members of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, which afforded them many friends and social engagements. Bill served as an usher while his wife Wendy sang in the choir. Bill finished his career as part of the Intelligence Community. After retirement, Bill and Wendy traveled extensively, where his favorite location was New Mexico.
Bill was a proud supporter of Public Television. Toward the end of his life, he continued his zest for learning through audiobooks and asking “Alexa” challenging political and historical questions. His dogs, Duke and Freddy, who both predeceased him, also gave him great joy.
Bill leaves behind his wife, Wendy, and daughter Sarah Jane Brandon (Gene), and grandsons Jack and Peter Brandon. Also surviving Bill is his younger sister Shelby Miller and brothers Larry and Wendell Davis; nephews Chris Miller (Christy), Mike Miller, Adrian Miller (Lizze), Davy Davis (Tiffany), Jacob Davis; and niece Lilly Miller.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 14th, at Miller Funeral Home in Woodbridge at 10:30, which requires limited attendance due to Covid. At 12:30 pm, an open Military Service and Funeral will be in Quantico National Cemetery. Refreshments will follow outside St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Woodbridge. Social distancing and masks are required.
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.Â
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
