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Frederick Davison Obituary
A native of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Davison attended Emory University and earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree at the University of Georgia in 1952. He practiced veterinary medicine until 1958 when he went to Iowa State University where he taught veterinary medicine and led a research project sponsored by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. He earned the Ph.D. degree in biochemistry and pathology from Iowa State University in 1963. He was a veteran with the Iowa Air National Guard and a member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Davison became the University of Georgia's 17th president on July 1, 1967 and served until June 30, 1986, the third longest presidential tenure in the University's history.
In July 1986, Dr. Davison assumed an endowed professorship in the University's College of Veterinary Medicine where he promoted the advancement of biotechnology, a field in which the University became internationally prominent under his leadership.
Dr. Davison became President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Science Center Foundation, Inc. on October 1, 1988.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 1, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church with Dr. John Roark and the Rev. Boyd Lien officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Oconee Hills Cemetery, Athens, GA at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Allan Barber, Bill Lesshafft, Dr. Gene Eidson, Mal McKibben, Jim Davis, John Naglich, Carl Nichols, and Dr. George Patton. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Matthews/Covenant Sunday School Class and the Ten Club.
In addition to his wife, family members include a daughter, Anne Davison Dolaher of Arlington, VA, two sons, Dr. Frederick C. Davison, Jr. of Katy, TX and William C. Davison of Augusta and nine grandchildren, Catherine Dolaher, David Dolaher, John Dolaher, Cory Davison, Harper Davison, Stuart Davison, Bill Davison, Stephen Davison, and Crissie Davison.
Memorials may be made to the GA-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America, 1804 Gordon Hwy., Augusta, GA 30904 or to Dr. Fred C. Davison Chair in Veterinary Medicine c/o UGA Foundation, Athens, GA 30602-5582.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd, Augusta, GA.
Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com.
Athens Banner-Herald, Friday, April 30, 2004
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Davison
M. Carter "Skip" Lastinger
March 24, 2005
Anne once described her father to me as "an ideas man." I may only imagine that she chose these words to encapsulate her father's wisdom and achievements the same way one may presently encapsulate masses of data and functionality onto a microchip, or derive statistics spanning billions of years from a single molecule. I profoundly regret having -- as of last evening -- learned of Dr. Davison's passing, not for the sake of simply "finding out," but more so for the sense of loss that this means for the art of discovery and innovation as it applies to a vast community of people and institutions who, though able to benefit from Dr. Davison's legacy, must continue onward in the absence of his vital presence. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to Mrs. Davison (the "other" Dr. Davison as some of us once endeared her by reference), to Anne, to Frederick, to Bill, and to each of their respective spouses and children. For, your loss is mightier and supremely more delicate, as there is no achievement greater than the flourishing love of a husband, father, in-law, and grandfather. Please know then, that for all his significance in this World, I believe his love is ever with you, and far, far more cherished and lasting and greater than anything else he may have imparted, and most cleverly so.
May the peace of God be with you,
-Skip
Greg Sowell
May 6, 2004
Our state and our beloved university has lost a giant. Dr. Davison was a friend to students; and, he was steadfast in doing what was right for the University of Georgia despite occasional criticism. His love for the University of Georgia could never be questioned. His principled insistence on putting the best interests of the University first is an even greater legacy than the brick and mortar that were added or inspired during his presidency. His honesty, integrity and love for the University comprise the model against which all UGA presidencies should be measured. My most sincere sympathies to his family and friends.
Corinne Adomian
May 6, 2004
President Davison was a man of great energy, vision, and warm humanity, and the results of his efforts are evident in the progress of the university during and since those years.
The University and all those who knew President Davison were privileged to benefit from that bright and shining light.
Our condolences to Dianne and all the family.
Corinne Adomian and family
John and Constance Dowling
May 5, 2004
Fred Davison was a great president who carried the University to a distinguished position nationally. We were privileged to know him and Dianne.
Gail Lester
May 3, 2004
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. May you always be comforted by beautiful memories.
Dave Lunde
May 2, 2004
Dianne, I was so sorry to learn of Dr. Davison's death, he seemed so young and cheerful the last time I saw him. The news brought back so many vivid memories of working with Fred at the University and in church. What a fine leader, wise counselor, terrific boss and gracious friend he was. My heart goes out to you.
Dave Lunde
Ron Hicklin
May 2, 2004
Dear Diane,
I was distressed to receive the news of Fred's passing. Although circumstances and distance made getting together difficult over the years, I was glad we glad we could meet in Mediapolis last summer.
Aside from his many achievements, Fred was just a heck of a nice guy.
My condolences to you and the rest of his family.
Cousin Ron
Michael Dirr
May 2, 2004
A noble leader, who saw greatness for the University of Georgia before it was willing to accept same. In 1979, as director of the botanical garden, i requested permission to plan for a visitor's center. Dr. Davison asked to see the plans and fundraising strategy. When satisfied that the dream could become a reality, he simply said go after it. He believed in the future and wanted faculty,students,staff and all georgians to ride the magic carpet to greatness. His imprint is forever stamped on our campus. Bonnie and Mike Dirr
Raymond Hicklin
May 2, 2004
As a cousin of Dianne we considered her husband, Fred a true member of our family. He was that sort of person and tho we seldom saw him after they left Ames, Iowa he did truely fit in when with us. Her aunt was extremely proud of them both and followed his career closely.
He is missed by those cousins still surviving.
Tonya Brown
May 1, 2004
My Deepest Sympathy with the lost of your husband and father.
Mike & Kathy Butler
May 1, 2004
Fred was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He genuinely cared about people and wanted the best for everyone. He was dedicated to his community, his family and to all those who were close to him. I will always appreciate his willingness to volunteer his time and energy to community causes, including his service as Chairman of Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness. He believed that education was the answer to many problems. "Fear is the child of ignorance" -- I heard him say it many times. I will not forget it -- nor him. He will be missed greatly.
Mike & Kathy Butler
Columbia, SC
Joan L. Hoffman
May 1, 2004
Dear Diane:
Paul always spoke of Fred with the greatest of pride and affection. Whether he was president, dean, or friend, we both benefited from knowing him.
My sympathy and condolences to you and the children.
Laura David
May 1, 2004
Dr. Davison was a visionary who clearly understood the importance of scientific education and research long before others. He expected excellence from faculty and administrators alike, always remembering the education of students was the first priority. He also had unwavering admiration from minority students, who valued his advancement of civil rights on campus. He will be remembered as a peerless educator and a great man.
MiMi DuBose-Gudenrath
May 1, 2004
Dear Mrs. Davison and family:
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Davison's death. You have been in my thoughts and prayers so often over the past many months after you so graciously served at my own father's funeral. Your family has forever been loved and admired in the DuBose house hold. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
MiMi DuBose Gudenrath
John Carroll
May 1, 2004
Dr. Davison awaits us in glory. Meanwhile your friends at Christ Church in Katy, TX remember his loving family in our prayers and thoughts.
Laurel, Adam & Avery Austin
May 1, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will see you this afternoon. All our love,
The Austin's
Worth McDougald
May 1, 2004
Charlotte and I express our deep sympathy at Fred's passing. He was a giant and those of us in the UGA community will always be in his debt. We remember especially the great times when the Peabody Board was entertained at the President's Home and the great New York trips to present the awards. His warmth and friendliness to the Peabody guests made us so proud to have a President of his calibre. He exhibited all of the qualities which one could ask for in dealing with the opportunities and problems of his office. All of us who knew him will miss him and our genuine sympathy goes out to all of you in the Davison family.
Judy Biegeleisen
April 30, 2004
I entered UGA in 1969,receiving an M.Ed. in 1973. During this time my former husband was the photographer in the Public Relations department. We often were present at events where Dr. Davison was also. He was always warm, approachable, and made us feel just as important as any official guests he might have. As a student I remember him having time for anyone who wanted to talk to him. He made us all love and respect him as few large college presidents are. He was a very important part of my life for four years. I will miss him. God Bless Mrs. Davison and his family and grant his soul blessed rest.
Brahm Verma
April 30, 2004
This was a man of great vision and commitment for excellence. Like thousands I benefited from him.
My sincere condolences to the family for the personal loss.
DENNIS CHESNUT
April 30, 2004
I worked in public relations and saw President Davison often. His always present smile and the vigor with which he handled his job were the qualities I shall most remember. Whether you were a minimum wage hourly employee or a millionaire contributor, Fred Davison was equal in his grace with all of us. He blessed every square inch of the Athens campus.
Frank Stainback
April 30, 2004
I went to high school with Rick in 70 and 71. My condolences to your family. Hope you are doing well.
Dewey and Brenda Moody
April 30, 2004
Our sympathy to the Davison family on the passing of a great man. Dr. Davison became President of UGA the when I was a freshman. It was a pleasure to follow his illustrious career and to know that UGA was in his capable hands. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Ogden Allsbrook
April 30, 2004
It is with great sadness that I write to send condolences to the family, especially Bill and Anne, who were very fine students of mine. I knew the measure of your father through your achievements. I regret that distance prevents my being with you again.
George Bates
April 30, 2004
I remember fondly the times I was invited into the Davison home in Athens. Rick and I were friends in highschool. I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Davison. He always treated me with kindness and it was my privelege to have known him. Rick, if you get a chance, drop me an e-mail. I remember Bill and Anne as little children. Both were cute as the dickens. Anyway, my condolences to Mrs. Davison and to the entire family. George.
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