Tucson - Tucson - William Davis III age 84, of Haverhill MA and Tucson AZ, died in home hospice in Tucson AZ on August 5th after multiple years of declining health. Born in Gloucester MA, son of William Davis Jr and Evelyn (Luster) Davis, he attended local grammar schools and Hs. His recall of life as a youth was idyllic: tales of riding cows at Nugent farms as a boy, to a 1/2 day of failed employment at a local fish processing plant. From an early age he loved sports, particularly baseball and football. He was quarterback at both Gloucester HS and Bates college ME, the latter of which he graduated with a BA in sociology after spending a gap year at Cushing academy in Ashburnham MA. He completed his formal education at the University of Michigan with a MA in social work. He was director of a mental health center in both Maine and Vt for 30+ years and ended his 18 year career at the VA hospital in Bedford MA in 2014. He and his wife Kathleen spent many years traveling in the US and abroad: multiple European trips and a trip cross country and up to Alaska in their RV; time spent in the desert south west of Tucson are special memories.

Bill was both charming and charismatic. His presence, confidence and wisdom abound. He was well read and well versed, able to converse on a variety of topics, (including opposing views on politics, religion, and current events). He made friends easily and was born a leader. His inherent compassion and fairness, and his concern for the mentally ill and underserved populations was evident in his career choice.

Bill had keen insight and instinct about a person's character that was usually "spot on" from a first meeting. He was devilishly funny and typically had a person or group roaring with laughter with his comments...especially his wife whose life was filled with immense love and joy since their meeting.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Kathleen Higgins, (and fur child Gypsy) his beloved family; sister and bro-in-law Susan and Seamus Walker of Rockport MA; daughters, Stephanie Davis and husband Clifford Harriman of Lebanon NH, grandchildren Raphael and wife Abbey; Isabella and Birhanu; Joanna Bart and husband Ric of Boxford MA, grandchildren Sam and Casper, former wife and mother of his children, Nancy Conway of Chester Vt.

Special thanks to the Higgins family who adopted him as their own; the Ashmans from Plymouth MA who shared lots of laughs and some wonderful travel adventures; and the many, many, devoted neighbors in Tucson, AZ who provided tremendous friendship and support especially during Bills' last few months. Additionally thanks to Tucson Medical Centers wonderful home hospice staff for their care.

At Bills request, no services will be held. Donations to a charity of your choice can be made in Bill's name.

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