Paul Byron Davis, 91, of Panama City Beach passed away April 28, 2022 after a long illness. Paul was born in Graysville, TN in 1930, the son of Algie and Effie Davis. In 1946 he enrolled at the United States Maritime Commission Merchant Marine Training Station in St. Petersburg, FL. Upon completion with his seaman's papers, he took his first assignment aboard ship on the SS Haiti Victory in August 1947 in New Orleans as a Fireman Watertender. So began a 39 year career in the Merchant Marine culminating with his retirement in 1985 as a Chief Engineer for SeaLand Service. He was employed by many companies including; Sun Ship, United Fruit Co., Waterman Steamship, and Delta Lines. In 1954 Paul was drafted into the US Army for service in Korea where he served for two years in Inchon as a harbor patrol MP with the 8224th. In December 1973 he was awarded the US Merchant Marine Vietnam Service Bar after serving on several vessels involved in the war supply effort. After retirement Paul formed the company Paul B. Davis and Associates, providing marine surveys for ships, barges, and other vessels in the Panhandle. He served as a Parker City Commissioner in 1986 and '87, and was instrumental in the opening of the Parker branch of the Bay County Library. Throughout the 90's he was a very active volunteer, racking up 1000s of hours, with the Friends of St. Andrews State Park, serving in several board positions including president, and working on funding and building for the Gun Mount Pavilion, Gator Lake Boardwalk, and Visitors Center. He also managed the recycling program, festival coordination, triathlon meets, fundraising, grants and budgets. In the early 2000s he was an active volunteer with the Bay County Master Gardeners and received his Master Gardeners certificate in 2005.

Paul was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Smith Davis.

Paul is survived by his wife of 8 years, Iris Fox Davis; his sons, Richard (Mattie) Henderson, Jr., David (Jo Ann) Davis, and John Davis; five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment of ashes and a celebration of life will take place in Graysville, Tennessee, to be determined at a later date. Donations may be made in Paul's memory to Emerald Coast Hospice, www.emeraldcoasthospice.org , 850-769-0055.