Fenton "Tom" Waldron Priest

Fenton W. “Tom” Priest passed away at his home on January 31, 2024, with his wife by his side. He was born on June 27, 1932, in Lowell ME where he was raised by his parents Horace Priest and Lila Shorey Priest. He graduated from Lee Academy in Lee ME in 1950. After his service in the Army, he worked various jobs in ME including oil delivery, flower truck driver and at BradStreet Auto.

In 1965, Fenton headed south to work at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, FL, where he became the Supervisor of Security. This position allowed him to spend his summers at his camp on Cold Stream Pond in Enfield ME. There he spent many hours with his nephews, nieces, and area children on the lake boating, skiing, tubing and playing games. Their favorite game was “Cribbage” where a “skunk” was passed from loser to loser. It was a thrill to beat “Unk” and have the skunk reside beside the door of his camp until the next game.

“Tom” met his wife, Jerri in West Palm Beach, FL. They were married in 1991 and moved to Avon Park, FL. He loved the slower country pace and feel of Avon Park. He began one of his favorite pastimes, visiting multiple grocery stores almost daily, always on the lookout for a good deal, and usually finding one. He enjoyed flea markets and yard sales bringing home lots of bargains. When someone said, “I need a *blank*” he would say “I’ve got one of those I’ll give you.” He was a very good cook and always tried to feed anyone who visited his home.

He leaves behind his wife, Jerri, stepson Frank (Lisa) Robinson, Princeton WV, Grand-daughter Amanda (Josh) Kaufman and their Daughter Abby of Myrtle Beach SC, Grand-daughters Haley (Derek) Rose of Bristol, VA, and Heather Robinson of Cocoa Beach, FL.

From a family of eight children, he leaves two sisters Ardean Thornton of Enfield, ME and Veda (Owen) Page of Enfield, ME. Fenton was preceded in death by brothers, Sheldon, Bryce, Leland and Dwight and his sister Celeste Theriault. A memorial service will be held on February 10, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church in Avon Park, FL. A celebration of life will be held during the summer in Enfield, ME. As he wished, interment will be in the Lowell Cemetery in Lowell, ME. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, The Shriners, St. Jude’s Childrens hospital or a charity organization of your choice.