Richard Davis, Sr.

Dick was born in Medford, MA, on July 14, 1922. He passed away June 8, 2012, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Alice, his son Richard, and his son-in-law, Fred Garcia. He is survived by his daughter, Edie Garcia, his son, Bill (Maria) Davis and his daughter, Janet (Chip) Wood. He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved grandchildren, Jennifer (Bobby) Haines, Andrea, Chris, and David (Natalie) Garcia, Alice, Stephanie and William Davis, Matt and Davis Wood, and great-grandchildren Jake, Alexa, Emma and Hope Haines and Liam Garcia, all of Gulf Breeze, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Katherine Callahan, of Cape Cod, MA. Dick started life in a colorful and exciting way. As a child, he grew up in Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Cuba where his father worked for United Fruit Company. He attended boarding school in Picayune, MS, and moved to Boston, MA, to live with his grandparents during his high school years. In the summer months, he always returned to whatever country his family was located. In January of 1941, he began his life-long seafaring career in the Merchant Marines, starting in the engine room, rising to the rank of Chief Engineer, and retiring in 1984 as Port Engineer for Waterman Steamship Corp in New Orleans. During World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, he sailed through all theaters of operation on merchant vessels carrying troops, cargo and supplies to the warzones. He met Alice when a fellow shipmate brought him home to meet his daughter, Ida. However, Dick fell in love with Ida's sister, Alice, and they were married on August 19, 1945, the Sunday after V-J Day, in Everett, MA. They moved to Gulf Breeze in 1956, where they chose to raise their family, enjoying their lifestyle and friends and vowing never to return to the cold climate. Upon retirement, Dick began his new life as a community and church activist and volunteer. He and Alice were founding members of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church where they devoted their lives in service to the church. He was a founding member of Gulfside National Bank and a Director of Liberty Bank in Pensacola. His civic activities included Charter member of Hadji Shrine Temple of Pensacola, Elks Lodge of Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and a Paul Harris Fellow with Gulf Breeze Rotary Club. He served for several years as Secretary of the Rotary Club and was very proud of his fellow Rotarians and their commitment to their community. He was also very proud to display his appointment as a Kentucky Colonel. Dick and Alice loved to travel, particularly their many cruises with family and friends, as well as their involvement for 26 years with the Gulf Coasters Motor Home group and Nomads RV Club (Hadji Shrine). He was sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, where he was deeply moved by his time spent at the World War II Memorial with his fellow veteran travelers. Dick was a good and honorable man, devoted to God, his family, and his country. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family is very grateful to the staff of Joyce Goldenburg Covenant Hospice for the care and comfort given to our loved one in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to Gulf Breeze Rotary Scholarship Fund, Shriner's Children's Hospital (Hadjii Temple), Covenant Hospice, or St. Francis Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Gulf Breeze, FL, followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall. All are invited. Burial will be private with family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 12th, from 5-7 pm at St. Francis of Assisi.

Visitation

Visitation

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
1 St. Francis Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
5:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
1 St. Francis Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
10:30 AM

Cemetery

Burial Private Family Only

Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery
3351 Scenic Highway
Pensacola, FL