June 9, 1942 - January 8, 2022

Melvin “Tink” A Davis Jr. left this, his earthly home to enter his heavenly home, on Saturday, January 8, 2022, in Largo, Florida.  

Melvin was born in Addison, Maine on June 9, 1942, to Melvin A. Davis Sr and Ruth C. Colprit.  Melvin began lobster fishing and digging clams in his high school years. After graduating high school, he followed the family tradition and joined the United States Coast Guard, where he spent 20 years serving his country. He began his career in search and rescue, where he became a true hero. He eventually became a lighthouse keeper and began his first post in  Ketchikan, Alaska. From Ketchikan, he moved back to his home state of Maine and served as the lighthouse keeper at Owls Head Light. After his detail at Owls Head, he served at Mount  Desert Rock Lighthouse where he was the last lightkeeper until it was automated in 1977. 

Melvin was decorated with the USCG Good Service Conduct Ribbon with Silver Star, National  Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), USCG Pistol Marksmanship  Medal, USCG Cutterman’s Insignia, USCG Coxswain’s Insignia, and USCG Officer in Charge  Insignia. He retired from his service, as the Boatswain Mate Chief in charge of the station in  Jonesport, Maine. 

Melvin spent his entire life on the ocean, and after his retirement, he spent the next 42 years as a  lobster fisherman.  

Melvin enjoyed reading the skies, watching the barometer, and predicting the weather. He loved sharing the beauty and quiet of the Maine outdoors with the people he loved: camping and fishing were two of his favorite hobbies. Above all though, he had a passion for music and was a talented Steel Guitar musician. He fronted shows for Reba McEntire, Johnny Cash, Boxcar  Willie, and many other famous musicians. In his later years, he devoted his gift and life to God,  by using his talent in Gospel music. 

He will forever be remembered as a dedicated best friend and husband to Linda Davis,  devoted father to Anna, Matthew, Micheal, and Jamie. loving grandfather to Silas, Merrik, Isaiah,  and Maya. dutiful brother to Shelba and David Thompson, Bruce and Joan Davis, and the late  Barbra and Anthony Faulkner. beloved uncle to Ruth, Tammy, Kaitlyn, Jinny, Brent, Diane,  Rebecca, Justin, and the late Yvonne. Cherished cousin to Harvey and Joan and countless others, a truly thoughtful friend to so many, and proud son of Melvin Sr. and Ruth.  

The things Mel will most be remembered by are: his quiet introspective presence, his simple words of love and encouragement, his devotion to God and his family, but most of all his heartfelt and poignant statements such as “Life isn’t perfect, and there is no perfect person”; “All we can do every day is get out of bed and try our best to the person that we should be”, “Tomorrow isn’t promised”, “This world is cruel, but keep being who you are in your heart”, and above all, “Love is all we have. Always tell the people you love, that you love them.”

These are the gifts he gave to the people he loved, every day of his life. He is so missed.  

A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2022, the date is not determined. For updates go to the Facebook page: “Melvin “Tink” A. Davis Jr: A Memorial”.