Paul Davis Obituary

Paul Lester Davis

Paul Lester Davis, 87, passed away one year ago on Dec. 13, 2022, in Ocala, Florida.

Paul was born Sept. 17, 1935, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to Harold and Bernice (Ziessler) Davis.

Paul is survived by many nieces and nephews; sisters, Lucille Schaade of Arlington and Elaine Stoepfel of Findlay; brother, Orval of Arlington; and two sisters-in-law, Joellen (Sheidler) Davis of McComb and Jeannette (King) Davis of Concord, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Harold Jr., Floyd, Orla, and Phillip; nephews, Darrell, Gary, Jerry, Lester, and Kevin; niece, Colleen; sisters-in-law, June (Gault), Verna Mae (Gardner), Norma Jean (Heuberger), and Donna Ann (Poteet); and brother-in-law, Guy Schaade. Another brother-in-law, Eugene Stoepfel, passed away Jan. 10, 2023.

Paul met Thelma Twing while stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were married in 1958 and celebrated 64 years together before she preceded him in death Nov. 27, 2022. Paul and Thelma lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida, for many years. Thelma became interested in Crime Watch and she and Paul worked with local police as volunteers over three decades and were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Tarpon Springs City Commission for their work. They moved to Ocala, Florida, in 2007.

Paul graduated from McComb High School in 1953. Several months later, he enlisted in U.S. Air Force where he trained as an Electronics Technician. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Lincoln AFB in Lincoln, Nebraska, for all his career. He was responsible for maintaining the electronic systems on the bombers and refueling aircraft. He flew with the flight crews to London, England, and other places to maintain the aircraft electronic systems. After four years, he was given an Honorable discharge from USAF and went to work for NASA. He was responsible for the installation and maintenance of the data recording systems used during their rocket launches at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Later, he moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where NASA was working on the development and testing of the Saturn rocket and he had the same responsibilities. He then worked for General Telephone for many years and retired from that company.

Paul and Thelma traveled over 60,000 miles in their RV in addition to the trips they made in their car to visit family and friends. They collected gemstones and rocks on their many trips. They also designed and fashioned jewelry. They loved their dogs who traveled with them. They are missed by their families and friends.