William “Bill” H. V. Davis III

OXFORD – William “Bill” H. V. Davis III, of Oxford, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jan. 4, 2022. Bill was born Nov. 10, 1947 to William H. V. and Dorothy M. L. Davis, II in Somerville, N.J. “Billy” grew up on the family dairy farm where he worked under the guidance of his father and grandfather – learning to drive and work on tractors and other farm machinery at a young age – as well as milk cows. Bill talked often of his life on the farm – he loved it. That life on the farm and in the church gave him the strong values and principles that guided his life. It is clear that Bill had farming DNA from his choices in life – from education to profession to tractors, fairs and hobbies. Bill graduated from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture located in Doylestown, Pa., with a major in Agronomy. Bill’s interest in the soils, sciences, plant genetics and physiology, and the sustainability and environmental impact of agriculture continued throughout his life. Bill moved to Maine shortly after graduating from college. His interests led him to work in the Maintenance and Operations Department at Bates College in Lewiston, Delekto Bros. John Deere Dealership, Lewiston, and eventually incorporate his own Davis Enterprises, Oxford. He took great pride in the work of Davis Enterprises whose primary focus was lawn restoration projects, the development and care of the athletic fields for the Town of Oxford, and other smaller projects – and especially restoration of John Deere tractors. Friends note that Bill wasn’t opposed to owning other brands, but it was evident that he favored the green ones. Pride in the 1937 A and then his ultimate tractor joy – the 1953 60 – both displayed his values of quality and love for the Lord with “Born Again” and “Pulling for Christ” predominantly posted on the 60. He was active in the Maine Antique Tractor Club and instrumental in initiating tractor pulling at the Oxford County Fair which continues to draw large number of tractors. He rarely missed the Fryeburg Fair or any place where tractors and those who loved them gathered. Bill was an active member of the Spurs Corner Church in Otisfield where he served on the Governing Board, as Head Trustee, volunteer cook for the men’s breakfasts, community suppers and church meals, Sunday School teacher and hosted a small group supper and bible study group at his home. Bill also supported and participated in the backroom addition of the church as well as the major renovation in 2000 which moved the church back from the road and added the basement. His greatest pleasure was in caring for the landscaping and grounds of the church. He was a faithful servant and he had an unwavering commitment to God, the church and his fellow believers. Bill was also an avid supporter of Life Changing Ministries of Haiti and even went on a short term missions trip sponsored by the ministry. Bill’s sacred retreat was to his Red Pine Camp’s 30 acres of farm land in New Albany, Pa., with a secluded cabin and views of the mountains and his man made pond. He cherished his visits to the camp which included as much deer hunting and talking with his Pennsylvania friends as possible. Bill was happiest when reading his Bible and talking “to the Lord”, being with family, talking with friends, looking off from the porch of his cabin in Pennsylvania, sitting on his John Deere tractor or helping anyone in need. He is survived by his dear wife Linda Davis; his beloved sons, Jacob “Jake” (Sarah) of Eaton, N.H., as well as Reed (Kelly ) of South Royalton, Vt., and their son Owen – the grandson he cherished and Kelly’s daughter Bella. He is also survived by Linda’s children that he loved as his own: Bill (Adele) Heath of Fairbanks, Alaska and their son Ryan , Melissa (Andy) Brousseau of South Paris, ME and their children April (Max) White, Amber Page and Mandi. He is also survived by his much-loved sisters and brothers-in-law Marian (David) Egge of Stillwater, PA and Diane (Richard) Miller of Auburn, NY as well as nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Androscoggin Home Healthcare nurse Tayla for her exceptional care and support of Bill. Bill was always grateful for God’s redeeming love and grace and the rich blessings of family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will take place Saturday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m., at the Spurs Corner Church, State Route 121, Otisfield. Burial will talk place in the spring at Gracelawn Memorial Park, Auburn. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 45 Main St South Paris Maine.