Community tributes for William Davey

The funeral attended by Orange order and Apprentice Boys members was carried out by Rev Dr Paul Reid.

The body of 21-year-old William, who was from Larne, was discovered in the Exchange Road area of the town on Wednesday November 4.

A post mortem examination was carried out on Thursday November 5, and police stated that there were “no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”

William went missing on Saturday, October 31 after visiting a bar in the Lower Cross Street area of the town.

Rev Reid commented: “The family are devastated. William had a sister, but the family are trying to come to terms with the loss of their only son.”

On social media, management and staff at Torbitts Limited, where William worked, described him as a “great worker, friend, and breath of fresh air in our shop that can never be replaced.”

The post read: “No words can express how sad we feel about his tragic loss.

“We ask that you pray for his family, and for God to give them the strength to cope with this awful news.”

Local people responded with messages of sympathy .

William’s former teacher at Larne High School, Diana MacDougall, commented: “William was a pupil of mine at Larne High School and he was much loved. Thoughts are with you all, family, friends and colleagues.”

William was a member of the Larne Branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Walker Club. Posting on social media, the club described him as a “highly esteemed brother”.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to our Past President Jimmy Davey and family circle,” stated the post.

Ian Falconer of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Club’s Carnlough Branch commented: “I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Davey family on the sudden loss of their son and brother William. Rest in peace William. Gone too soon.”

Trevor Acheson, representing the officers and members of Cairncastle Flute Band, also passed on condolences to the Davey family circle and Larne Walker Club.