Hedley Combs Davis

Hedley Combs Davis passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on January 26, 1958, he was a lifelong and enthusiastic supporter of his hometown of Middletown, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His career took him to innovative technology companies, including Commodore, where he met his wife, Michele. The couple later moved to the Bay Area, where Hedley contributed to the development of the Xbox and Xbox 360 at Microsoft.

After the death of his mother, Ellen Combs Davis, Hedley returned with his family to Middletown to raise their children, Rachel and Zachary Davis. He found joy in simple pleasures such as watching Looney Tunes, flying his Pitts airplane, camping with his family, and creating imaginative electronic projects filled with colorful lights. In retirement at age 65, he returned to the University of Delaware to teach Advanced Printed Circuit Board Design. Among his proudest accomplishments were his art installation Alien Semaphore, displayed at Burning Man in 2004; placing third with his son Zachary in the 11–17 Trebuchet division at the 2013 World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin’; and receiving the University of Delaware Electrical and Computer Engineering Distinguished Achievement Award in 2023.

He is survived by his wife Michele, his children Rachel and Zachary, and the many friends and family members whose lives he brightened with his vibrant spirit.