Robert Aldine Davis was born on June 15, 1928, at Broxton, Georgia, the son of R. A. and Estelle Palmer Davis. Dr. Davis is survived by his
wife, Phyllis Clough Davis, by three children, Robert A. Davis Ill, Palmer
Clough Davis, Blaine Davis Schultz, by two sisters, Mrs. Louise Studstill
and Mrs. Virginia Paitsell, and by three grandchildren.
Graduated from Broxton High School, South Georgia College, the
University of Georgia, Emory University, and Yale University, honored with doctorates by West mar
and Pfeiffer Colleges, Dr. Davis, an ordained United Methodist minister, served as Wesley Foundation Director at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, served on the National Staff of the Division of
Higher Education of the United Methodist Church, was President of Brevard College for seven
years, and culminated his distinguished career as President of Florida Southern College for 18
years, retiring in 1994.
His untimely death on October 5, 1997 produced an uncommon occasion for profound
grief and celebration of a life so worthily lived. Two meaningful services were held, one at his
home church in Broxton, Georgia and one at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland .
During our 44 year. friendship, it was my privilege to serve as Bob's Dean at both Brevard
College and Florida Southern College. What a joy to work with a man who was a person of
integrity; a dedicated churchman; an administrator always committed to doing what he believed
to be right for his institution and its people.
St. Francis instructed us to "preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." In word
and deed, Bob Davis' life was a forthright proclamation of the gospel.
Submitted by: Ben F. Wade, Vice President and Dean of the
College Emeritus, Florida Southern College