Obituary: Thomas Rice Davis III, 81, of Guilford & Madison

Obituary courtesy of the family.

THOMAS RICE DAVIS III
September 24, 1940- July 23, 2022
Tom, longtime resident of Guilford and Madison passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on Saturday, July 23 rd at the age of 81. He spent his final moments outside enjoying one last gorgeous New England summer day overlooking the scenic Branford harbor, surrounded by his loving and adoring family members. He was born and raised in Bridgeport by Thomas R. Davis Jr. and Martha Davis (Franklin).

Tom attended Bridgeport Central HS where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. After high school he attended the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1962 with honors, was a member of Phi Chi Alpha and was the University Fraternity Council President.

After college, Tom began his only career with SNET in New Haven where he was ostracized to a
windowless basement office for over 30 years. When he was allowed participation in the real world, he enjoyed (assuming) coaching his daughters’ sports teams and keeping his son out of military school.

Early hobbies included bowling, tennis, golf, and macramé. Tom was an avid news reader and if the daily periodical was not in his driveway at 5 am, the New Haven Register should expect a call. He could always be found down at the Guilford docks completing his crossword puzzles, which he would actually finish (even the Saturday’s NY Times). He thoroughly enjoyed his time outdoors which usually coincided with gardening, trips throughout New England including Block Island and Nantucket and experiencing all the beaches and nature reserves up and down the CT shoreline. He loved feeding the birds. We continue to find seed in fairly odd places.

Tom and Marcia were avid theater buffs and apparently spent a good amount of time at the Goodspeed and Long Wharf venues. We can attest to their attendance as we uncovered over 300 programs recently. Additionally, the duo could be spotted for years volunteering at the Guilford Fair working security (apparently a different crime era).

Of course, his passion for UCONN athletics and the Red Sox was immeasurable. Lasting memories were made with trips to Detroit, Ann Arbor, Notre Dame and of course Boston. It was never about the competition. It was about sharing time and gathering with loved ones and friends on a fall day. Although for all of us, we truly thank the higher spirits that success was finally achieved in some capacity.

Tom will surely be remembered by his never-ending outgoingness, his social ability but most endearing was his friendliness to others. Always willing to engage with a total stranger or a best friend, whether it was at happy hour or at a local store. He cherished his relationships with his small family and others close to him.

Tom will be missed by many.

He was predeceased by his wife and co-adventurer Marcia Davis (Weiderhold) of 25 years. He is
survived by a daughter, Tracy G. Davis of Guilford, CT and son TR Davis IV (Christine) of Redding, CT. Of course, he also leaves behind the lights of his life, his infamously charming grandchildren, Scotland and Lilah, both of Tampa, FL, Rice V, South Carolina class of ‘26 and Agnes, JBHS class of ’25.

A celebration of life will be held on September 10th between 12-4pm at the Guilford Mooring. Anyone wishing to attend, please reach out to a Davis family member (there’s only two of us).