By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

John R. Davis spent his early childhood in three different orphanages, and as a teenager he left school to support his family during the Depression.

Strong-willed and determined, he worked by day and attended school at night, eventually earning a degree in mechanical engineering and starting his own company.

"He was fun-loving but strong," said his daughter, Dianne E. Farwick of North College Hill.

Mr. Davis died Thursday at Mercy Franciscan Mount Airy of a stroke. The longtime North College Hill resident, who moved to Brookville, Fla., in 1974, was 91.

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Davis started his own company, Davis Engineering, which he later renamed Industrial Tech.

He bought the small business, Ohio Hydraulics, in 1962 and merged it with his company, and served as its chief operator until he retired in 1974.

Although he moved to Florida, Mr. Davis still worked as a consultant for his company. Over the years, he sold most of the company to family members.

Work in Cincinnati gave way to play in Brookville, Fla.

"He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, and card games - euchre was his favorite," said his daughter.

Mr. Davis was also a founding member of the Madonna Council K of C.

In Florida, he was president of his community's homeowners association.

His wife, Eleanora M. Davis, preceded him in death.

Besides his daughter, other survivors include two sons, John T. of Harrison and Thomas J. of Colerain Township; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. today at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1830 W. Galbraith Road, North College Hill.

Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com