Peter Wayne Davis, 74, of Boothbay, passed away unexpectedly June 23 at his home. He was born on Jan. 25, 1942, in Fitchburg, Mass., the son of Leighton and Helen (Adams) Davis.
In his younger years, Peter worked in local Boothbay Harbor restaurants and businesses including the Outlook Inn where he met actress Shirley Jones and actor Gordon MacRae from the movie “Carousel.” Peter started his teaching career in Cumberland as a fifth grade teacher. He continued for 35 years. He later retired in South Florida.
On June 4, 1960, Peter started his enrollment in the U.S. Air Force as an administration clerk. He retired four years later as an Airman 4th Class.
While stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, with the Air Force, Peter started pursuing his college career at a local college. Following his enlistment, he continued his education at the University of Maine. Throughout his studies, Peter was always working to support himself, and later a family. Peter was what you would refer to as a lifetime educator. He was never complete when it came to educating himself. He went on to pursue and complete his Master’s Degree in Education.
Boothbay residents knew when Peter and Claire had arrived for the summer by driving past their house and seeing the vast amount of color, potted plants and pristine garden highlights. When he wasn’t gardening, you would typically find him going for a “short” 10 mile walk or bike ride. However, at the top of his list, he was always thinking and doing for his family – especially his three grandchildren – even more so than sneaking chocolate or scoops of ice cream. Peter volunteered at the Boothbay Harbor Aquarium and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in his spare time.
Peter met his wife, Clair, of 49 years, in Boothbay Harbor. They eventually moved their family to South Florida where they both continued their teaching careers.
He was predeceased by his parents, Leighton and Helen Davis.
Peter is survived by his wife, Claire C. Davis of Coral Springs, Fla.; daughter, Michelle Davis of Cumming, Ga.; son, Shane Davis and wife Jaimie of Boca Raton, Fla.; grandchildren, Kayla Deak of Cumming, Ga., and Matthew and Ryan Davis of Boca Raton, Fla.; siblings, Donna Closson, Leigh Davis and wife Pamela, Bonnie Lewis and husband Craig, Tom Davis and wife Angel, all of the Boothbay region, and Linda Storey and husband Robert of Cumberland.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Tues., June 28 at the Boothbay Fire House. All are welcome.
Donations may be made in memory of Peter Davis to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241, 1-800-242-8721; or to “Special Olympics Georgia,” 4000 Dekalb Technology Parkway, Ste. 400, Building 400, Atlanta, GA 30340, 1-770-414-9390, Ext. 101.
To extend online condolences, light a candle for Peter, or to share a story or pictures, visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements.
