Obituary of Francis C. Davis

On Saturday the twentieth of August, in a room on the sixth floor of Yale New Haven Hospital, Francis Charles Davis died peacefully in the presence of many loved ones. In recent months it was clear that Francis began battling with the inescapable complications that come with living a full and worthwhile life. Francis Charles Davis, better known as Hawky to those who knew him, was born May 9, 1932. Hawky, a nickname given him in grammar school, originally Hawkeye, was bestowed upon him because he was known to challenge a situation and to never be fooled. Later in life the nickname appropriated itself to his athletic prowess on the ballfield. He attended Essex elementary and graduated from Pratt High. While in school he demonstrated an adeptness for sports. He participated in basketball, baseball and track and field. He was the fifth child of ten, born to William Hamilton Davis and Salome Strong Davis. In 1952 Hawky met Dorothy Henderson. Dorothy recalls driving in Hawky's 1939 Willys car with and hanging out at local hot spots in Chester. The two were married in 1954. Settling in Deep River the two began the first years of their marriage becoming a winning team and a family. They enjoyed polka dancing, socializing with friends and forming a community that supported and grew generations thankful for them. Hawky and Dottie had three children, Lori, Terry and Scott Davis. At a young age Hawky worked at the A&P in Essex, moving thereafter to a management position at the A&P in Deep River. It was not long after his ambition, know-how and playful, yet resolute disposition led him towards the path if owning his own grocery store. Located in Chester Center, Hawk's Village Grocery was a pillar in the community, a wonderful memory, a place for a Yankee fan to grocery shop and perhaps the occasional brave Red Sox fan. Until retirement, Hawky was a proud employee at the Unites States Post Office, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a First Sergeant during the Korean War. In the heart of Deep River, the Davis family planted their roots. Residing on High Street, Hawky tended his gardens and entertained his family and friends in the yard. Hawky and Dottie moved to Killingworth only to find themselves back to their beloved Deep River after a short stint, taking residence at Kirtland Commons on Main Street. The last few weeks of his life, Hawky stayed at Gladview in Old Saybrook, but it is clear his heart belonged in Deep River. Once Hawky's days on the ballfield came to end there was not much that could keep him from a game. He was either running the concession stand with his brother Jack nearby or you could find him at the sidelines of his children's or grandchildren's sporting events. Hawky will be laid to rest beside his daughter Lori Davis Marshall at Fountain Hill Cemetery. He will join his passed siblings, Ruth, Billy, Karl, Jack, Richard and James. He is survived by his sisters, Helen and Nancy, his brother Robert, his wife Dorothy Davis, his daughter Terri and son Scott, many grandchildren, Jeni, Amy, Drew, McKenzie, Jessica, Ryan and Nathan, and his two great grandchildren, Reese and Reagan. (Arrangements are Tentative) A visitation will be held on Friday, September 2 from 5-7PM at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3 at 11AM at the First Congregational Church of Deep River, 1 Church Street, Deep River. To share a memory of Hawky or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.