1942 – 2016

ELGIN, Ill. — William Jefferson Davis died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill., at the age of 73.

William was born on Nov. 4, 1942, in Rocky Mount, N.C., to Willie Jackson Davis and Elizabeth Maude McCracken-Davis. He went to school in Huntsville, Ala. Post high school, William served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

He married Louise LePage in 1964. After moving to Lewiston, William began working as a business man. Over their marriage of nine years, the couple welcomed three children into their home. William’s children remember him as a loving father who encouraged them to reach for success and happiness.

William Jefferson Davis enjoyed many hobbies some of which include playing tennis, fishing, cooking, classical music and watching old movies. You could often find him walking his beloved dog, Max, and later Morgan. He was an individual who loved knowledge in areas such as science and history. He was an active and dedicated member of the St. Monica Roman Catholic Church in Carpentersville, Ill.

William is survived by his longtime companion of 37 years, Stella Sheleheda; his former wife, Louise Carpentier; and three children, Debra Davis Smith of New Jersey, Kathleen and husband, Kenneth Anderson, of Cumberland, and William Jefferson Davis II of North Yarmouth. In addition, William had six grandchildren.