Edward G. Davis, many-faceted man
Edward G. Davis, 76, of Milton passed away early Thursday, April 7, 2016, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Born near Trap Pond, east of Laurel Aug. 4, 1939, to Henry Clay and Allie Marie Davis, he was one of the true characters of a Sussex County that has nearly passed out of existence.
He was raised by his father and paternal grandmother, Mary Carey Davis in Laurel, where he spent much of his youth finding adventure and mischief along with his brother, H. Clay Davis III, as part of the "8th Street Gang" and residing in a rambling old house dubbed "Liberty Hall" by all those who found respite within its walls.
During that time, he developed an independent spirit, a knack for reciting long pieces of poetry and a love of nature - in the form of hunting and fishing - all of which abided with him for his entire life.
His first job was as a milk truck delivery runner for Hollybrook Dairy at the age of 10. After graduating from Laurel High School, he enlisted in the Navy, where he participated in the invasion at Bay of Pigs, Cuba. In the Navy he learned electronics, which, upon discharge, he translated into a position with All American Engineering, in Georgetown, working on all manner of interesting projects for improvement of weapons systems and aircraft deployment. A job as an instrumentation mechanic at the General Foods plant in Dover followed.
In 1974, he accepted an appointment as a Justice of the Peace for Sussex County, a position he held until January, 2010. He was reappointed by nearly every governor to serve during that period. Judge Davis approached the position with a keen insight into human behavior, a sincere dedication to the learning of the law, and a desire to improve the system within which he served.
As part of his efforts for reform, he became a legislative liaison for the Justice of the Peace Court and the broader judiciary, working to pass legislation modernizing the operations of the courts and spearheading the introduction of significant reforms of the criminal and civil justice systems of this state, such as the concept of Probation Before Judgment. In this role, he became a trusted advisor to legislators and policy makers throughout Delaware. After his retirement from the bench, he maintained his contact with the General Assembly, working part-time as a lobbyist for Ned Davis Associates in Dover.
Throughout his employment by others, he also engaged in several self-employment opportunities. He farmed rented land from 1964-76. Expanding on prior commercial fishing experience, from 1979 to 2002 he operated Davis Fisheries Ltd., fishing for lobsters, swordfish, tuna, sea bass, crabs and whelks off the Delaware coast. At times it was hard to determine which occupation was his vocation and which was his avocation, as he approached each with the same vigor and determination.
Edward Davis was as comfortable in a suit as he was a pair of oil-stained coveralls, as engaged while following a pack of beagles or a brace of English Setters as he was bird-dogging legislators on a piece of legislation. He could discuss case law with judges at one moment and diesel engine repair with a commercial fisherman the next, with equal expertise and genuine interest.
He had more projects and plans than he had time, but he always had time to lend an ear or a hand to someone who needed it. He loved to talk and laugh, and generally take anything life had to offer and make it uniquely his version. He will be missed for his wise counsel, his understanding of wide-ranging subjects and his penchant for asking forgiveness rather than permission.
He is predeceased by his parents and one son, G. Roscoe Davis. Surviving him are his children, Henry C. Davis and his wife Carole of Laurel; Trina R. Gumbs and her husband Oliver of Milford; and Alan G. Davis and his wife Sharon of Milton. He also leaves six grandchildren: Victoria and Catherine Davis, Silas and Luke Wheedleton, and Finn and Sadie Davis. He is remembered with love by his good friend and former spouse, Elizabeth Davis; his brother Clay,;cousins, nieces and nephew, along with many, many dear friends. Finally, his attention will be missed by a pack of superb rabbit beagles and a herd of feral cats.
The family will host a memorial gathering Thursday, April 28, at the CHEER Center on Sandhill Road in Georgetown, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., where friends and family are asked to share fellowship and remembrances of Edward. Those planning to attend should respond affirmatively to edwarddavismemorial@gmail.com.
One may also leave notes or other memories of him at that email address, which will be shared with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to the Laurel Alumni Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 382 Laurel, DE 19956 be considered.
