Date of Service:
November 02, 2023
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Lawrence James Davis, 80, passed away October 26, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital surrounded by his family and love.
Larry was born on August 6, 1943, in New Orleans LA and grew up in Panama City FL.
He was a die-hard Gator, having graduated with three degrees from the University of Florida, where he also met his wife Margie. He received his BA in education in 1965, his MEd in special education in 1966, and his JD in 1973.
Larry taught special education for 5 years before returning to the University of Florida to attend law school. He spent his entire legal career in service to the people of Florida. He was a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office for many years, served as an Osceola County judge for 4 ½ years, and finished his career serving as a senior attorney with the FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and later as an attorney with the Florida Bar dealing with lawyer regulation.
After retiring to Vero Beach, Larry became a dedicated volunteer at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County. He loved working with dogs and became a mentor for new volunteers. Larry and his wife Margie were avid gardeners and loved nature and wildlife. They touched gray whales in Baja California, saw polar bears in Churchill Canada, saw wolves and bison in Yellowstone National Park, stepped over marine iguanas in the Galapagos, counted too many birds to mention in Costa Rica, and most recently completed a “bucket list” trip for Larry – a hiking tour of Yosemite National Park.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margaret Ellen Davis, his son, John Lawrence Davis (Jamie) of Satellite Beach FL, his son, Chad Russell Davis of Sarasota FL, his sister, Cecilia Davis Cunningham of South Bend IN, his granddaughter, Maisy Lee Davis, and his grandson, Morgan John Davis.
He was predeceased by his mother, Cecilia Sabatier Davis, his father, James Louis Davis, and his sister, Shirlann Baisley.
A graveside service will be held at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, Gainesville, FL, on November 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, 6230 77th St, Vero Beach FL 32967.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Chad Davis - Son
October 30, 2023, 5:41 pm
Love and miss you Dad.
Tracey Soethe - Friend
October 30, 2023, 6:16 pm
It was my pleasure to have know Larry while employed at IRE and working at the Humane Society. I am so sad to hear of his passing and I am sending my love and prayers to my friend Margie and his family. He was alway an advocate for animals. He had a huge heart. He will truly be missed.
Joe and Beverly Burgher - Friends and neighbors
October 30, 2023, 9:13 pm
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Larry was a great role model for young and old. Our thoughts are with you.
Mary Lucie Walker - Cousin to Margie Davis
October 30, 2023, 10:19 pm
Dear Margie, John, Chad and Cecelia, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was so kind and always made me feel welcome and was always so genuinely glad to see everyone. He made folks feel as if they mattered. All of us are blessed to have known him.
Jane Young - Neighbor
October 31, 2023, 12:22 pm
My condolences to Margie and the rest of the family. Larry was a lovely person and a great neighbor
Jane Young - Neihbor
October 31, 2023, 1:05 pm
My Condolences to Margie and the family. Larry was a great neighbor.
Susan Martino - Fellow Humane Society Volunteer
October 31, 2023, 3:18 pm
I had the pleasure of being a volunteer at the Humane Society with Larry for the last 7 years. He was a wonderful advocate for the animals and one of my favorite people ever. I will miss him very much. Sue Martino
Patricia - colleague
October 31, 2023, 3:39 pm
My sincere condolences to Margie and Family … may your memories bring you peace and comfort … Larry was a wonderful partner, mentor and teacher as I learned the ways of the pups at the Humane Society. I will miss him dearly, and I will watch over the pups as he would, especially his favorite pup, Starla … I know he, too is watching over her as she learns to assume the quiet gentleness that was Larry’s hallmark. “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Queen Elizabeth II With sympathy and well wishes, Patricia
Phill Moore - Neighbor of Son John
October 31, 2023, 6:10 pm
RIP Larry, you will be missed by your family, friends and associates.
Joyce Moore - Son John’s neighbor
October 31, 2023, 6:15 pm
My condolences to Marge & family. I’ve known Larry for many years through his son John, our neighbor. He was always glad to see us and especially our dog Winston. He will be greatly missed by all
Chris Baisley - Nephew
October 31, 2023, 6:21 pm
Larry was a good uncle and appreciated him helping my brother and I when my mom passed away. I remember 1979 when Larry took us kids to Disney World, Sea World, and Circus World in the family station wagon. We always had a good time visiting Larry, Margie, John, and Chad. Larry was a good man.I remember how proud my grandmother was when Larry became County Judge.
Kathleen Simpson - Fellow Volunteer at the Humane Society
October 31, 2023, 6:22 pm
Larry was such a kind and generous person and a dedicated advocate for the animals. He will be sorely missed by all of us. Kathleen
Dennis Hart - Friends with john
October 31, 2023, 7:19 pm
What a terrific gentleman. I wish there was more time to get to know him better. I can see here that he was well loved, a true sign of success.
Vinh Ngo MD - friend and coworker
November 1, 2023, 8:03 pm
Sorry to hear about the big loss. of your father, John. Your father was a very good man. My condolences to you and your family. Hope time will help you healing all the sorrow.
Hannah Novelli - Former HSVB friend
November 2, 2023, 5:01 pm
Thankful to have known Larry through his volunteering at HSVB, thank you for your years of dedication to not only people but pets. Your smile, kind heart and wisdom will always be remembered. Giving Baxter a big hug from you. ❤️