Those involved in Clarkston athletics during the 1970s, 80s and into the 90s most likely knew Ray Davis. And, if they didn’t know him, they were touched by him. It is those folks his son is reaching out to, now.
‘He was completely dedicated to Clarkston athletics,? his son Ron Davis said, ‘He’d rather go to a high school game than pro or college — it was his passion.?
Mr. Davis was instrumental with the start of Clarkston Chiefs little league football, heavily involved with Independence Township Parks & Recreation youth baseball, basketball, adult athletics and was a Clarkston Sports Booster for about 15 years.
And, those who knew Mr. Davis (who passed away in April of 2007 at the age of 69), knew, too, he dealt with the debilitating onslaught of chronic arthritis. The painful disease made it difficult for him to attend sporting events or enjoy the out-of-doors.
‘You don’t realize some people have problems just walking from the parking lot to the ball field; that it’s difficult to sit in the stands at a high school football game or get to the water to go fishing,? his son said.
To improve handicap access to recreation, the Raymond C. Davis, Sr. Endowment Fund was created with the Michigan Recreation & Parks Association. According to his son Ron (Oxford Township Parks & Recreation Director), the fund has $8,000 and soon will start awarding grants to parks and recreation programs throughout the state.
The second annual Raymond C. Davis Memorial Golf Outing is Friday, October 3. A 9:30 a.m. shotgun, will get things rolling at Metamora Golf and Country Club (just north of Oxford, on M-24). Cost to golf is $90 per person ($119 after Sept. 8); includes 18-holes golf, card, breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, Nike Wind-Shirt, golf hat and cart mittens. Last year’s outing sold out, so don’t wait until the end to register. To register or for info on donating, call Ron Davis at 248-628-1720.