Duane Davis

Duane Davis, of Jasper, Georgia, died Sunday, August 11, 2024, with family by his side in Gainesville, Georgia.  Duane tragically succumbed to injuries he sustained in an automobile accident two days prior. Duane was 85.

Duane graduated from Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1957.  From there he attended Baylor University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961.  While at Baylor, Duane met the love of his life, Mary (Elder) Davis, and they were married in 1963.  Together they moved to Louisville, Kentucky where Duane attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1967.  His further pursuits took he and Mary to Atlanta, Georgia where Duane attended Emory University, ultimately earning his PhD in Philosophy in 1973. 

Dr. Duane Davis joined the faculty of Mercer University in Atlanta in 1973 and served as the Chair of the Humanities Division in the College of Arts and Sciences. In his career as professor, he also taught in Mercer’s University College, College of Education, and College of Continuing and Professional Studies.  Duane earned the title Professor Emeritus of Religion and Philosophy in the Department of Liberal Studies upon his retirement in 2008.

To his students he was known as “Dr. Davis”.  But to his colleagues, friends and family Duane was much more.  Home builder, author, master wood craftsman, bread baker, crocheter and gifter of afghans, brother, loving husband, dad, pappaw. Duane’s life was one of service.  His love for his family, especially his grandchildren Madison and Joshua, was unending.  His was a life, not of titles and accolades, which he eschewed, but of giving of himself and caring for those around him. He was truly one of God’s humble servants.

Born in Elgin, Texas on February 15, 1939, Duane was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Elder Davis, and his parents, Ben Davis and Lillian Elizabeth Davis.

Duane is survived by his sister Bennye Jane Arnold, his brother Dwight Arnold Davis; his son Dean Alan Davis and wife Karen Franklin Davis; and his grandchildren, Madison Lisette Davis and Joshua Bryce Davis.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Duane and his wife Mary Davis will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:00pm on the Atlanta campus of Mercer University in the Cecil B Day Hall, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta 30341. 

In lieu of flowers, you may honor the memory of Duane by supporting the Davis Harris Transformational Power of Education Award at Mercer University.  Established through an anonymous donation to the University, this award recognizes students who have been successful in balancing their academic endeavors with full- or part-time employment, family responsibilities, and/or community service.  Your gifts will continue to build his legacy and will support students for years to come. To contribute, please visit Mercer.edu/give and indicate the “Davis Harris Award Fund.” If you need assistance, email [email protected], or call 678-547-6453.