William Gene Davisson, lovingly known as Gene, Dad, or Papaw, of Hundred and Maidsville, and Sebring, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, May 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and family. Born August 16, 1937, in Harrisville, Gene was the son of Theodore Roosevelt Davisson and Wilma Lowther.
He was the devoted husband of Sue Pyles Davisson, with whom he shared 68 cherished years of marriage. Together they built a life rich in love and adventure.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his son, William “Bill” Gene Davisson Jr. (Darlene); his granddaughter, Sheena Rene’ Davisson Martin (Adam); his step- granddaughters, Tali (fiance Cody Sickles) and Tasha Soccorsi (fiance Michael Pellegrini); and his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Rose Martin. A brother-in-law also survives him, Allen Kent Pyles (Jo Ann); along with many nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Lois Ann Glass and Louise Burns.
A pillar of the community, Gene served for 27 years as president of the Bank of Hundred.
A devout Christian, he shared his faith through song, lending his deep bass voice to a gospel quartet and church choirs.
He and Sue treasured traveling in their motor home to gospel conventions, combining their love of music with their love of the open road and camping.
An avid outdoorsman, Gene found peace and purpose in the woods of his property in Hundred, where he hunted whitetail deer and squirrel. Hunt camp in his garage became an annual tradition, filled with laughter, stories, and full bellies with his son, Bill Gene, Bob Davis, the “Bochna Boys,” JD Pekar, and many others over the years.
His days often included a visit “downtown” for coffee at the insurance agency—a regular “meeting with the men” that kept him connected with his hometown.
A proud West Virginia Mountaineer fan, in earlier years, Gene was a season ticket holder, rarely missing a bowl game and always looking forward to a good tailgate.
In their later years, Gene and Sue wintered in Buttonwood Bay, Fla., where they embraced a vibrant social life filled with fishing for crappie on Lake Josephine, bingo nights, golf cart rides, flea marketing, brunches, and card games with dear friends and neighbors. Gene loathed the cold, and come fall, the Florida sunshine was calling him home…A true snowbird!
In the summers, Gene could be found mowing grass on his ford tractor or sitting on the porch watching hummingbirds, while eating some rhubarb or blackberry cobbler. He enjoyed a pristine home with beautiful landscaping and a flower garden.
As per Gene’s wishes, services will be private.
In remembrance of Gene, his family encourages friends to cherish the simple things—family gatherings, morning coffee, a favorite song, a Bible verse, or a quiet moment in nature.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320 (724-966-5100), Paul M. Lesako, owner / supervisor, Aaron S. Walker, funeral director.
