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LANCASTER, Pa. -- Rennie Davis, 98, of Lancaster and formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, went home to the Lord on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
He was born on Aug. 24, 1928, in Youngstown, to the late Rennie Fielding Davis Sr. and Madge Eleanor Steele Davis.
Rennie grew up with his twin sister, Ruth, and four other siblings. Since July 2020, he had been living at home with his twin sister and niece, Cheryl Haminger.
Rennie graduated from The Rayen School. He attended Dana School of Music, where he studied piano and organ and then chose dance as his career. He operated two dance studios in Hubbard and Struthers, teaching students from preschool through high school. Rennie taught adult ballroom dances, including line dancing, country western and ballet. He also taught adult tap dancing at the Northside Senior Center and area churches.
His students competed and performed all over the country -- from Youngstown, Pittsburgh and New York City to Kentucky, the Carolinas and Florida. He taught baton and had a full marching baton corps that competed in many competitions.
Many students went on to open their own studios, including Teri Nobbs, owner of Columbiana Performing Arts. In retirement, Rennie taught at Teri’s studio, Teri's Dance and Baton Center. He also performed in numerous plays with the McKinley Players.
In 1956, Rennie became a lifelong member of Dance Masters of America and Ohio Dance Masters. Throughout his career, he served as the national treasurer of the Dance Masters of America and held the office of president and treasurer for the Ohio Dance Masters.
Rennie traveled to Hawaii with his sister, Ruth, and brother-in-law, Charles Davis, in September 1998, and thoroughly enjoyed his time there. He was known for his love of dance, his kindness and wisdom and the countless lives he inspired. He will be remembered for his humor, knock-knock jokes, love for his kittens, cats and dogs over the years, flower gardens, and his enjoyment of working on jigsaw puzzles. An avid bingo player, Rennie hit many times, including the lottery. He also loved watching “Judge Judy” and sang along while watching Lawrence Welk. But above all, Rennie will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to his many dance students, his church family, and unwavering support of projects he embraced.
Rennie was a lifelong member of Liberty Presbyterian Church, serving as church organist, choir director and trustee, and continued his membership when the church merged with the Guiding Light Presbyterian Church of Girard.
Rennie was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Anna, and his twin, Ruth; and his brothers, Edward, George, and William.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory dear friends, Janet Moy, Teri Nobbs, Kathi Halbert, Mae Kohn, Joe Rudenic and so many more loving friends.
His surviving family members include his nieces and nephews, Cheryl Haminger, Charles C. (Lori) Davis III, William Davis, Lynn Dolanch, and Susan (Paul) Kyle, and their families; great-nieces and great-nephews, Kirk (Brandi) Haminger, twins Chip and Courtney Davis, Bert Dolanch, Bryan Dolanch and Stefanie Harris, and Kevan Kyle; his sisters, Karen, Kathy, and Kristin; and the children of Carol Jean Davis Sypniewski (deceased), Kent Sypniewski, Amanda Beringer, Lindsay Fournier, Kimberly Nicholson, and Steven Sypniewski, and all their families.
A celebration of life will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the Columbiana Performing Arts Center, 42131 state Route 14, Columbiana, OH 44408.
A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Guiding Light Presbyterian Church, 890 Churchill Road, Girard, OH 44420.
(special notice)