Richard E. Davis

1937 - 2022

Richard Everett Davis, 84, of Newport News, VA, died on June 27, 2022, at Riverside Regional Medical Center.  He was born on November 8, 1937, in Norwich, CT, the son of Carle Auzman Davis and Thelma Bjurstrom Davis, and later adopted by his stepmother, Maude Woolley Davis.  He was a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physics.  While serving in the U. S. Air Force, he studied Meteorology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In 1964, Davis began his distinguished 40+-year career as an Aerospace Scientist with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Langley Research Center. One of his greatest joys at NASA was having the opportunity to speak to school children about space exploration, astronomy, the solar system, and NASA. For many years, he represented NASA as a judge at local and regional science fairs.

Davis was an active member of his church and community. He was a past member of the Hampton Roads Jaycees; volunteered at Riverside Hospital; served on the board of Trinity Lutheran School; served several terms as president of the Friends of the Newport News Public Library, and was a member and lecturer at the Lifelong Learning Society of Christopher Newport University.  He was an active board member of the Langley Alumni Association for NASA retirees.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason.

In 1970, he joined Trinity Lutheran Church of Newport News, VA, where he was a member of the Men's Club; served on the Congregational Council; chaired the Worship and Music, Staff Support, and Usher Committees; taught Sunday School; and met his wife, Laura.  For over 40 years, they sang together in its Chancel Choir. 

Davis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Laura M. Davis; by his daughter and son-in-law, Ellen D. and Joshua L. Badgley, of Bangkok, Thailand; and by his brother, Robert C. Davis, of Bradenton, FL.  Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Carol M. Grainger of Richmond, and Susan M. Nelson (Scott) of Asheville, NC; 8 nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Burial will be private.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at a later date.  The family requests no flowers.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at Trinity Lutheran Church of Newport News, VA; to the Lifelong Learning Society at Christopher Newport University; or to the Foodbank of the VA Peninsula.