February 18, 1919 - February 27, 2016 Frank was born February 18, 1919, in Beallsville, Maryland. He was a bright student, winning many school awards and becoming President of his high school class. He attended the University of Maryland, graduating with honors, and then served in the US army from 1941 to 1946, rising from Private to Major. Frank graduated from Harvard Law School in 1948 and joined the prestigious New York law firm of Donovan, Leisure, Newton, Lombard and Irvine. In 1949, he met Virginia Battle from South Carolina. It was love at first sight. They were engaged within three weeks and enjoyed thirty-seven loving years of marriage. Frank left private law practice to become Vice-President and General Counsel and, later, President, of film maker David O. Selznick's The Selznick Company. Moving to Los Angeles, California, in 1956, Frank became Vice President of Famous Artists Corp. and subsequently held the same position at George Stevens Productions, where he served as Executive Producer the classic Easter movie, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" in 1962. Frank joined Metro Goldwyn Mayer in 1966 where he worked for thirty-one years, retiring as Executive Vice-President of Business Affairs in 1997. Frank was a life-long supporter of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Frank was predeceased by his wife and by his son, Thomas Battle Davis. He is survived by his children: Dr. Richard Davis and his wife Barbara of Camden, South Carolina, Betsy Davis and Randolph Davis of Los Angeles, and 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The family wishes to extend their many thanks to Josephine Lahorra for her many years of care to Frank. Services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 11 am at St Matthews Episcopal Church, 1031 Bienveneda Avenue, Pacific Palisades, Ca 90272. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church or to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Davis

Sponsored by Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary.

6 Entries

Kenneth Kantor

November 27, 2016

Thank you Frank for your friendship and gracious hospitality. I spent every Sunday for ten years having dinner the family. While Betsy and Randolph collected rocks and shells on the beach, Frank and I watched football and played gin rummy. Every once in awhile he let me win a game. When we spoke he was always concise and to the point. I learned so much during our special alone time. Although he would at times come across as gruff, those of us who knew him well, knew what a softy he really was. While the rich and powerfui in Hollywood, respected and sometimes feared him, this was a man whose few words said a lot. I loved him like he was a second father and will always remember what a true southern gentleman he was. Kenneth Kantor

Robert Grumer

March 10, 2016

Randy- sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.Robert GrumerTacoma, WA

March 5, 2016

Hello all, I wish I could have joined you for what will be a lovely funeral & tribute to Uncle Frank! One of my favorite memories is him sitting in Pops' home in Beallesville, happily amusing us with smoke rings from his pipe! And of course, his graciousness when we visited him in CA as kids. I have only the fondest memories!!
Anne, PA

March 4, 2016

I was a contractor who worked on Frank and Virginia's home on the beach in 1983. They were lovely people to work for, always congenial with time to chat. My deepest condolences to the Davis family. Chuck Johnson.

March 3, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Davis family. I hope in time comfort can be found in reading Matt 5:4 in this time of sorrow.

Bob Beitcher

March 3, 2016

To this day, Frank's contributions over many years to the Motion Picture and Television Fund are celebrated. He displayed an enormous commitment to ensuring that the working members of the entertainment industry were sheltered from the vicissitudes of uncertain employment and had a safety net of support in the community and on the Wasserman campus. Frank's advocacy for MPTF was ceaseless and his leadership as Board Chair was reflected in the organization's continuity and success. In 2016, as MPTF celebrates its 95th year of "taking care of our own," it gives thanks to entertainment industry powerhouses like Frank Davis for their willingness to pick up the baton from prior generations and lead this unique charity forward.

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