Though family and friends mourn the passing of Larry Allen Davis at the age of 70, they find joy in recalling the many gifts shared by this gentle soul.
A native of Mt. Vernon, IL, Larry passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021, in Houston, TX.
He demonstrated his industriousness throughout his years at Mt. Vernon Township High School, where he excelled. Larry was vice president of his sophomore class, president of his junior class and graduated in 1968 as the class salutatorian. He balanced his studies in high school and Rend Lake College with a variety of jobs, including gas station attendant, driving a snow cone truck, and working and at a department store selling shoes.
He earned an associate degree from Rend Lake College in Ina, IL, and a bachelor’s degree in history/government from Illinois College in 1972.
Larry parlayed his innate curiosity and writing talents into a rewarding 23-year career in journalism. He earned the respect of colleagues and sources alike for his reporting, writing and editing skills, but most importantly, for his commitments to truth and to upholding high ethical standards. His dedication was rewarded multiple times as he was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility. Larry held several newsroom positions at the Mt. Vernon, IL, Register-News from 1975 to 1984, including managing editor, city editor and sports editor before moving to The Southern Illinoisan newspaper in Carbondale, IL. There, he was a beat reporter, criminal justice reporter, and he spent eight years excelling in the demanding position of assistant city editor.
In 1999, Larry entered the next phase of his professional journey, joining the staff at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. He served as editor/writer for the Center for Academic Success/Office of Diversity, working for the associate chancellor for diversity. Other positions at the university included technical/paraprofessional staff at Morris Library and as an adjunct instructor in the School of Journalism. He worked at the university until the family relocated to Houston in 2008.
An avid reader, his tastes ranged from Richard Russo to F. Scott Fitzgerald, from Stephen King to Shakespeare, from the daily newspaper to European history. His musical tastes were equally varied — from the Beatles, to Willie Nelson, to Michael Bublé, to the works of the great classical composers. Larry loved late-night TV – perhaps because that was when he could sneak the popcorn he wasn’t supposed to eat.
To Larry, everyone was a friend, and to all he conveyed his respect. Among his greatest gifts was his generosity of spirit. His positive nature was contagious, his willingness to see the best in people inspiring.
His greatest passion always was his family. Larry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan; two daughters, Wynne Ellyn Davis of Washington, D.C., and Karen Elizabeth (Rod) Holmes of San Tan Valley, AZ; four grandchildren, Paige Holmes, Teagan Mae Holmes, Taryn Candyce Holmes and Cannon Allen Holmes; Resa Groves of Ocoee, FL, whom he loved as a daughter, a brother, David M. Davis of Overgaard, AZ; a sister, Jeanne C. (Thomas) Wall of Springfield, IL; brother-in-law Tom Dare of Haughton, LA; multiple nieces and nephews; and his constant companion cat, Sam, that he rescued from the streets.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman Maxwell Davis and Oma Mae Borah Davis McPherson, grandparents, Merritt and Nora Davis and Dow and Tessie Borah, and sister Ruth Ann Dare, also preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 15, at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, Peoria, IL, and will be streamed with the link available on the chapel’s website. Private interment for his ashes will take place at a later date at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, TX.
To remember Larry and his innate curiosity and love for journalism, please consider subscribing to your local newspaper or supporting your local NPR affiliate (one-time or continuing gifts); your local no-kill animal shelter; A Memory Grows, a 5013c non-profit for grieving parents in Fort Worth, TX., or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston.