Lawny A. Davis

ANSON – Lawny A. Davis, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025. Born in Portland, on June 7, 1943, Lawny was the youngest of six children of James Davis and Gladys (Mank) Davis. He grew up in Belfast, and attended several schools along Maine’s coast. Even as a young boy, Lawny was no stranger to hard work – at the age of 10, he began sorting soda bottles and picking lobster meat at Jordan and Grant in Rockland. One day, he proudly brought home a 35-cent lobster roll to his mother – a simple gesture that reflected his generous spirit.

Throughout his youth, Lawny worked a wide variety of jobs: splitting wood and cutting hay on his Uncle Sam’s farm in Searsmont, helping at Roy McKenna’s gas station in Augusta, working a paving crew, raking blueberries, and stocking shelves at IGA in Liberty.

In 1963, he graduated from Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale, where he also worked at Sampson’s store in Augusta. After a short post-graduation trip to California to visit his brother Jim, Lawny returned home and soon met the love of his life, Charlene Preble of Anson. The two married on Jan. 31, 1964, at the United Baptist Church in Madison – a union that would last more than six decades.

Lawny returned to work at Sampson’s, quickly becoming a store manager. In 1968, he and Charlene moved to Anson, where Lawny continued with Sampson’s in both Skowhegan and Madison. In 1970, he began a long and successful career as a purchasing agent with Somerset Telephone Company in North Anson, retiring years later under TDS management.

In the early 1970s, drawn by a love of the ocean and deep sea fishing, Lawny and Charlene bought land in Spruce Head, where her father Wesley Preble built their cherished cottage by the sea. They spent many joyful days fishing aboard Captain Bill Gargan’s boat. Lawny was also an avid hunter and fisherman, with memorable trips across Maine, Canada, and Newfoundland. He had a sharp wit and loved telling stories from his many adventures.

Together, Lawny and Charlene traveled to many tropical islands and enjoyed Cyr bus tours across the country, forming lasting friendships along the way. For over 50 years, they made summer pilgrimages to Cabbage Island in Boothbay – a tradition that brought them immense joy.

In 2003, the couple embarked on a six-week cross-country motorhome trip with Charlene’s twin sister, Carlene, and her husband Tom. A highlight of the journey was visiting Tombstone, Ariz., – home of the O.K. Corral – where Lawny relished walking through scenes from his favorite movie, “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral”.

Lawny is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Charlene; daughter, Melissa Vining and her husband Scott of Starks; and grandson, Nathan Hartley of Starks. He also leaves behind cherished nephews Larry Davis (Mary) of Chula Vista, Calif., and Kevin Davis (Janet) of Gorham, nieces, Cathy Rivers (Wayne) of St. Petersburg, Fla., Marilyn Parker (Gary) of Litchfield, and Karen Jackson (Janet) of Old Orchard Beach; sister-in-law, Carlene Deschaine (Thomas) of Claymont, Del.; and dear friends Melody and Thomas Park of Chelsea. Lawny also adored his two cats, Trailer and Butter.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Gladys; sister, Marilyn, and brothers Henry, James Jr., Ronald, and Jack.

The family would like to thank the compassionate teams at Somerset Primary Care, RedingtonFairview General Hospital, Beacon Hospice, Giberson Funeral Home, Gracelawn Memorial Park, MaineGeneral Community Care, and the Anson-Madison Ambulance services. Deepest gratitude is extended to all the friends and family who provided support through cards, calls, and prayers during this time.

In accordance with Lawny’s wishes, there will be no public service. A private family graveside gathering will be held at a later date.

“In passing, leave a legacy for all to impart, leave memories for company to comfort saddened hearts.” – Charlene