WASHINGTON — Jere Hayden Davis, 86, of Washington, passed away peacefully at the Sussman House in Rockport December 10, 2021, after several years of declining health. He was born in Portland, Maine, on November 14, 1935, son of Blaine E. and Dorothy (Plummer) Davis.

Jere grew up in Pleasantdale, South Portland, attended Kaler Reynolds and South Portland High Schools and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1954. He was an outstanding athlete with a special love for baseball and was scouted by the (then) Boston Braves.

He attended University of Maine at Orono. Jere joined the Army in 1958 and served in Korea. Later he was a member of the 211th Military Intelligence Corps stationed in New York City.

After his discharge he joined the U.S. Army Reserve and was active until his retirement. His Reserve service included deployment to Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield. Following active duty in the Army, Jere was an officer on the New York City Police Department where he served for 26 years. During this time, Jere also attended Fordham University and earned a Master of Science Degree from Long Island University.

After retirement, Jere moved back to Maine and, in Washington, found the quiet peaceful place he’d been hoping for during his working years.

After getting settled in he attended his 45th high school class reunion where he was reacquainted with a high school classmate, Charlotte. They developed a devotion to each other and she moved to Washington two years later. They took a few trips but especially enjoyed many years together landscaping their property, adding a summer house, gardening, boating, feeding the birds and being homebodies.

Jere was a member of the American Legion Post #1 in Rockland and of the Washington Lakes Association. He was a generous donor to numerous animal welfare, child welfare, environment, and veterans causes and a member of many conservation organizations.

Jere’s high school yearbook nickname was “Quiet Man.” It suited him then and throughout his life. He kept his own counsel but was quick to show his charm, delightful wit, and idealism.

Jere was predeceased by his parents; his brother Blaine Thomas Davis; his son Jere Thomas Davis; and nephew Brian Davis.

He is survived by his partner of 19 years, Charlotte Henderson; daughters Jennifer Windels of Hopewell Junction, New York; Juliet Davis of Stormville, New York; Diana Murray of Eugene, Oregon; and son William Davis of Eugene Oregon; grandchildren Michael Murray, Joseph Murray, Keanu Davis, Tatiana Lambooy, and Emma Maloney and their families; niece Belinda Waterhouse of Waldoboro and her family, niece Sara Davis of South Portland; and nephew Blaine Davis II of South Portland; and lifelong friends Dick Lord and Charlie Sawyer.

The family will announce a gathering date for family and friends next summer.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.