Huntsville Remembers Dr. Terry Davis: A Community Leader

News Summary

Huntsville mourns the loss of Dr. Terry Davis, a beloved community leader who passed away on January 23rd, after a brave battle with cancer. His legacy in education and commitment to family, church, and service leave an enduring impact. A Celebration of Life event will be held on January 25th, inviting friends and community members to honor his memory and contributions.

Huntsville Mourns the Loss of a Community Giant: Remembering Dr. Terry Davis

Huntsville, Alabama, is feeling the melancholy of loss as it bids farewell to a cherished community leader, Dr. Terry Davis, who passed away on January 23rd, surrounded by the love of his family. After a courageous battle with cancer, Dr. Davis is now at rest, free of pain, in what can only be described as a peaceful resting place.

Born on November 30, 1955, in Albertville, Alabama, Terry Davis lived a life that was dedicated to service, education, and community. His family was always at the heart of his journey. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Kim Lyons Davis, two sons, Stephen Tyler Davis and Matthew Ryan Davis (who is married to Anusha), and two granddaughters, Norah and Avi Davis. His family, along with his brother-in-law Phil Lyons (and wife Keatha), will carry forward his legacy and the values he instilled in them.

Terry’s childhood involved moving around several towns in Alabama, thanks to his father’s career as a retail store manager. Regardless, he graduated with pride from Oxford High School in 1974. His academic journey continued at Freed-Hardeman University, where he met his future wife Kim. Later, he earned his Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama. It was these achievements that laid the groundwork for his impactful career in education.

After marrying Kim, the couple resided in Huntsville for the next 46 years. Terry began his career at Madison Academy, where he wore many hats—he taught science, coached sports, and served as a Youth Minister at Mastin Lake Road Church of Christ. His commitment to education blossomed when he joined the Madison County School System in 1985, where he became a guiding light for many young educators.

Dr. Davis became known for his visionary leadership and was eventually elected Superintendent of Education. His fair and bipartisan leadership style allowed him to effortlessly bring together dynamic teams of educators, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration. Terry was deeply invested in each relationship he built, nurturing connections that would last long after his retirement.

After retiring from the Alabama State Education System, Terry followed his lifelong dream of serving as an elder in his church. His faith was incredibly important to him, and he passionately engaged in mission work. For 25 years, he made notable contributions to the Mayfair Child Development Center at Mayfair Church of Christ, impacting countless children and families.

Traveling the world and supporting his sons in their careers brought Terry immense joy, but nothing compared to the laughter and love shared with his granddaughters. He also accepted an invitation to serve as President of Madison Academy until health constraints limited his involvement. Even in challenging times, his spirit shined brightly through annual adventures with his Oxford High School friends, where they visited every SEC football stadium, creating unforgettable memories together.

Terry Davis’s legacy will forever resonate in the hearts and minds of those he touched throughout his dedicated life of service. His commitment to God, family, and community will be celebrated in a Celebration of Life event scheduled for January 25th at 3:00 p.m. at Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville. Friends and community members are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Children’s Ministry expansion at Mayfair Church of Christ, Madison Academy, or Steady for Life, Inc.. As we reflect on Dr. Terry Davis’s extraordinary life, we can’t help but feel fortunate to have known such a remarkable soul.

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Additional Resources

• Berryhill Funeral Home
• The Madison Record
• Limestone Chapel
• AL.com
• Indiana Funeral Care
• Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
• Google Search: Dr. Terry Davis
• Google Scholar: Terry Davis education
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
• Google News: Terry Davis

Author: HERE Huntsville