Ronald Earl Davies, of DeRuyter, N.Y., born Feb. 20, 1943, in Syracuse, to Fay Bachman and Harold P. Davies, went home to Glory on Dec. 12, 2023, after a long, debilitating illness of vascular dementia.

Ron was raised in Nelson and lived there the majority of his life.  Ron graduated from Cazenovia Central School and, a year later, joined the Navy, serving in Viet Nam and then Guam (1962 to 1966) and then in the Naval Reserves.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, of almost 36 years, Sonia Hull Davies; daughters, Wendy and Stephanie; step-children:  Brooke, Zachary and Jared; five grandchildren: Justin, Jade, Regan, Avery and Logan; his siblings: Gerald, Denise, Neva and Steven.

Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, Ron was chosen to sing in the Navy’s Blue Jacket Choir.  After leaving the Navy, Ron continued to enjoy singing with a number of choirs and choruses, as well as “The Nelson Quartet” and “The Rolling Hills Quartet.”

Ron and Sonia enjoyed working with wood, creating folk-art as well as some furniture pieces that they designed.  They enjoyed working together to “restore” two of the homes that they lived in, which were built in the 1800s.  Ron will forever be remembered as a kind-hearted man with an immense love for his county, a wonderful personality and a beautiful voice, which came naturally throughout his entire family.  He will be sorely missed by his beloved family, but we rejoice that he is no longer suffering.

There are no calling hours or funeral … please, no flowers or donations.

Private burial is in the spring at Hillcrest Cemetery in DeRuyter, N.Y.  Smith Funeral Home in DeRuyter is in charge of the arrangements.