Gordon P. Davis Jr.

Gordon was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania, to Gordon P. Davis, Sr. and Helene Rice Davis on July 3, 1947. He grew up in the small town of Monroeton, PA, where he and his friends were infamous as the local hell raisers and pranksters. “Buzz,” as he was called before moving out on his own, also inherited his Grandpa Rice’s sense of humor. He got away with so many shenanigans because he was so handsome and charming. He often took the “rap” for his siblings’ mischief because they knew HE wouldn’t be punished, even after he learned to “swear like a longshoreman” (his mother’s exact words)!

After high school he worked diligently to secure a nomination from a congressional representative and after knocking on doors, his tenacity brought him to Barry Goldwater who appointed him to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, Long Island. This is where he met his future wife, Olympia, at a football game. He always spoke of his time at the Academy with mixed emotions and affectionately referred to it as The Zoo. He was a proud graduate of Kings Point in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science and received his Third Mate’s license.

After graduation Gordon was employed by Atlantic Richfield navigating oil tankers from Alaska to California and his four years with them fulfilled his Naval Reserve commitment.

After spending years at sea for months at a time he longed for a more stable family life. He decided to trade his role as salty seaman to a crusty landlubber. He then built his career as Ship’s Agent handling vessels from all over the world arriving in Port Tampa, Port Manatee, as well as ports up and down the east coast. His dedication and work ethic were exemplary, and he was a mentor to many.

Gordon’s passion was golf, but his devotion was to family. He married his loving wife Olympia Stylianou on November 11, 1972. In the following 53 years, they lived a beautiful love story that was an inspiration to all. They complemented each other and the love they shared was to be admired.

Gordon is preceded in death by his mother, Helene Rice Davis, his father Gordon P. Davis, Sr. and his brother Richard Davis.

He is survived by his wife Olympia; daughter Anastasia who he loved more than life itself; sister Jacqueline Johnston (Dennis); sister Adelaide “Dee Dee” Davis (Suronda Gonzalez); as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gordon’s memory will live on through the lives he touched with kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made in his memory to support.woundedwarriorproject.org