Traverse City, Michigan - William "Will" McCreery Davison, age 85, passed away on April 21, 2026.

Will was born on March 9, 1941, in Flint, Michigan, to Matthew Davison Jr. and Margaret (Non) Cumings Davison. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve before building a career as a real estate attorney, though anyone who knew Will would tell you that work was never first. What people remember is Will in the bleachers, on the side of the ski hill at Hickory Hills, or in the audience. He showed up every time for the people he loved, and made you laugh while he was there.

He was a man of genuine wit, humility, and kindness. He had a gift for putting new people at ease, always turning the conversation toward them rather than himself. He'd stop traffic to help a turtle cross the road—and we're only half kidding. Even in his final months in memory care, glimpses of that warmth and humor remained.

His pro bono legal work included helping secure easements for the VASA trail, a gift to Northern Michigan that will outlast all of us.

Will married Diane on July 23, 1968, and together they raised their daughters, Leslie and Laurie, building a life of love, laughter, and travel.

He was a natural teacher, patient and hands-on. He taught his daughters and friends to water ski, tie a bowline, gybe a Sunfish, and hot-wax a toboggan. Hesitation was met with his signature encouragement: "Easy mon-EY!"—as many who grew up at Pinewood Point remember.

Summers meant the family cottage, a place that anchored generations of memories: windsurfing on Lake Michigan, golfing at White Lake, and music on the porch. Northern Michigan was a year-round love: cross-country skiing the VASA or Birkebeiner, biking and running country roads, and sailing—especially the Race to Mackinac.

In later years, he and Diane found contentment at their cabin, setting up the camera to spy a bear or bobcat, building brush piles, planting native wildflowers, and mowing with the John Deere. A shih tzu was always nearby and cared for with the same attentiveness he brought to raising his daughters.

Music was a constant in his life, from childhood to hospice music therapy at the very end. He loved bluegrass and gospel and played guitar, banjo, and dobro. Playing with friends and family, often from the Old Town Playhouse songbook, brought him immense joy. He drew others in by teaching a few chords on the dobro, often with "Amazing Grace."

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Matthew Davison III, James, and Charlie; and his sister, Mary Anne Kettler. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his daughters, Leslie (Michael Dixon and bonus grandchildren Natalie and Eric) and Laurie; nieces and nephews; and his cherished cousins with whom he shared a lifelong bond.