NAPLES — On Saturday, Nov. 10, Robert Cole Davis marched his way through the gates of Heaven, probably singing the Marine Corps hymn. Bob, as he was known to his friends, cherished God, family and country every day of his life. A generous man, Bob was a gospel-singing Christian, a loving family man, and a dedicated U.S. Marine, starting when he joined “the Corps” at 17 years of age. It was rare to see him without wearing a Marines hat, t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Bob was born in Rumford Center, Aug. 10, 1927, to parents Frances and Howard Davis. “Those were the best times of my life,” Dad would say when talking about those early years in Rumford and again when talking about his years in the Marine Corps, where we served proudly with the China Marines.

Dad met the love of his life, Glennis York, when he came home on leave and they eventually married on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1951. Bob loved to work hard, laugh, tell funny stories, play cribbage and plant trees. His love of gardening was passed to both his son and grandkids. He also loved to sing gospel music, saying “You need good gospel music in a church to soften the hearts of folks listening so the Spirit of the Lord can do his work.” Bob and family eventually moved to Dixfield, where he became Dixfield’s first police chief; a position he treasured his entire life. Bob was later employed by New England Telephone Company as a lineman and installer; a job he loved and from where he retired. Bob’s laughter, love and tenderness will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Glennis Davis; son, Steven Davis of Naples; daughter, Debbie McCall of Quincy, Mass.; and grandson, Adam Davis and wife, Katie of Windham; and granddaughter, Julia Davis of Woburn, Mass.