William Raymond Davis

FARMINGTON – William Raymond Davis, “Bill,” passed away on Feb. 26, 2025, in Farmington, at the age of 81. He was born in Lewiston on Feb. 20, 1944, to Louise and Vincent Davis.

Bill was a storyteller at heart. For anyone willing and able to listen, he had a story to share – often humorous, sometimes outrageous, but always entertaining. He especially loved recounting his legendary pranks, such as when he released hundreds of fireflies in a movie theater mid-film, tricked a fisherman into believing lobsters were native to Clearwater Lake, or hung a pine-tree “beard” on New Hampshire’s Old Man of the Mountain, much to the Forestry Department’s frustration.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found his greatest joy in the woods of western Maine. He spent decades hunting, fishing, and skiing. He skied Tuckerman’s Ravine and many of New England’s mountains, but none were as dear to him as Farmington’s own Titcomb Mountain. Whether tracking game through fresh snow, casting a line into a misty morning lake, or navigating the dense backwoods, Bill embraced every challenge with enthusiasm. He took pride in his knack for getting vehicles stuck – and unstuck – on the most rugged trails, treating every mishap as part of the adventure.

After graduating from Farmington High School, Bill attended Franconia College, where he made many lifelong friends. He returned to Maine to complete his degree at Husson College and started a career in sales. Bill spent much of his sales career with RIS Paper Company, traveling throughout Maine and New England, where he formed friendships with clients in printing houses across the region. Ever the conversationalist, he installed a CB radio in his red BMW, adopting the handle “Flying Horse” to chat with fellow travelers on the road.

Bill loved Maine, and though he spent time away for school and work, he always returned home to his roots in Farmington. As a founding member of the Farmington Elks Lodge, Bill was always ready to give back to the community, supporting youth and veteran programs and collecting toys for Operation Santa Claus – where he happily slipped into a Santa suit to spread holiday cheer.

As he aged, Bill developed a fondness for watching and feeding the deer in his backyard – animals he once hunted, but later named and admired. He appreciated the beauty and cycles of nature, embracing the quiet moments.

Bill was immensely proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Davis; sister, Patty West; children, Susan Onion, Chris Davis, their partners, Fritz Onion, Amber Davis; and his grandchildren, Zoë Onion, Sam Onion, Simon Davis, Drew Davis, Emerson Davis and Cooper Davis.

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, storyteller, prankster, and outdoorsman. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

As per Bill’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held at the family camp on Clearwater Lake later this summer.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington Maine. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.

In honor of Bill’s memory, donations may be made to organizations he deeply cared about: the Franklin County Animal Shelter and the Farmington Ski Club in Farmington.