William (Bill) B. Davis

William B. (Bill) Davis, 85, passed away June 25, 2026, in Colville, Washington. Bill was born on April 11, 1941, in Okanogan, Washington, to Frank and Pauline (Stiles) Davis. Bill developed a very strong work ethic from an early age, starting out in hayfields and orchards around Okanogan. 

In his early teens, he was a whistle blower on a logging landing in Idaho. He then followed his family to Miles City, Montana, where he got odd jobs; his favorite was working for several years as a seasonal ranch hand for some local ranchers, including pro wrestler Orville “Cowboy” Carlson. 

In 1958, Bill moved to join his family in Republic, Washington, and in 1960 was hired at the Knob Hill gold mine, where he worked for 17 years before the mine closed. Bill relocated to Colville, Washington in 1977 and was recruited by a local well drilling company. He started his well drilling career with KC Kane; later moving on to Joy Perry Drilling. He went to work in 1982 for Rod Fogle, Fogle Pump and Supply, and spent 26 years there before retiring in 2007. Having come from a musical family, Bill learned to play guitar when he was a boy, eventually picking up the bass as his guitar of choice.

He and his brother Melvin developed their talents. Bill became a member of Mel’s band Rainwater Country (aka The Davis Brothers), playing nightclubs/bars, rodeos, fairs, and other venues for many years. When he was able, Bill loved to hunt, fish, race snowmobiles, bowl, golf, shoot competition, and play music. He found pleasure in cooking, especially prime rib, and hosted many meals for friends and family. In 1983, Bill met Susan Cordrey, and they married in 1987, sharing a home in Colville for over 43 years. 

Following a love for history, they enjoyed many trips through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and beyond. Bill led an interesting and full life. He was smart, knowledgeable, talented, generous, tough, and stubborn. Bill impacted many lives. Anyone who knew him often came away with something new they learned from him. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Fenton Hendricks; daughters Wendy, Traci, and Kasia (infant); brothers Chuck and John; sisters Ruth, Mary Lee, and Glynafay. Bill is survived by his wife, Susan; brothers Melvin and Ron, and half-brother Fenton; sisters Shirley and Thelma; 5 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.