Ralph Eugene Davis

October 22, 1961 ~

September 4, 2018

“Missing someone is not about how long it has been since you have seen them or the amount of time since you have talked…it is about that very moment when you are doing something and wishing they were there with you.”

“Anyone with a heart, with a family, has experienced loss. No one escapes unscathed. Every story of separation is different, but I think we all understand that basic, wrenching emotion that comes from saying goodbye, not knowing if we’ll see that person again — or perhaps knowing that we won’t.”

He came into this world the same as any of us. He came into this world a son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin.. a father, a grandfather, an uncle and a friend. Born October 22nd, 1961 to Jack Burton Davis {dec.} and Mary Katherine (Davis) Schuster {dec.}. He grew up and “raised hell” near the Mogadore Reservoir on the border of Suffield Ohio, attending Field Local Schools with siblings James and Wendy {dec.}. He lived in Portage County most of his life, settling in Randolph Ohio, where he raised his children; Justin, Erik (married to Sara Tusai) and Nicole (married to Benjamin Mathie). He was also father to Missy (married to Craig Herndon) and grandfather to Aisley & Mackenzie (Missy & Craig) and to Trey & Brielle (Erik & Sara) and he was an uncle to Jessica and Raelyn (daughters of James). He was a trusted friend and someone who would listen to many, an often “colorful” baseball coach for both sons and a hard working co-worker to plenty who shared his days or nights working with him at ODOT (Ravenna) and the Ohio Carpenter’s Union (Akron).

He passed away September 4th, 2018, at peace with his life and legacy. He didn’t leave this world a rich man, but he touched many lives in the brief time he spent on this earth. He was straight-forward and sometimes blunt. He “could give a rats @ss” if his opinion or lifestyle offended you. “Your @ss hurts!”, was always followed by his honest and warm laugh. He was goofy, light-hearted and playful when you needed to smile or could be concerned, serious or angry with you if you deserved it. He was proud of his work, installing and shaping drywall (ie. the interior of the Peter B. Lewis Building at Case Western Reserve University & the Akron Zips InfoCision Stadium / Summa Field). He wasn’t “perfect” at any one thing, but he lived to take care of his family. He was the greatest and strongest for us when we needed it. He was stubborn and opinionated, but he understood the importance of “Family” .. and he would do anything for his. Anything. We loved him and already miss him dearly. You will always be in our hearts. RIP Ralph. With all our love ~ Justin, Erik & Nicole

There will be a private memorial dinner held at Pizza Hut on E. Waterloo Rd in Akron on October 21st around 3pm. Seating is very limited, but if you’re in the area, come say hello, goodbye or tell a story or two. That’s how he would’ve wanted it.