Larry Nolan Davis

Larry Davis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, educator, and esteemed community leader, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Born on March 29, 1941, in McKinney, Texas, to Woodrow and Maxine Davis, Larry's formative years were richly shaped by his mother's entrepreneurial spirit, a pioneering flower shop owner and president of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, and by his supportive father, a dedicated VA Hospital facilities manager after WWII. His early experiences working alongside his mother in her flower shop earned him Junior Floral Design awards. Larry's parents instilled in him a deep understanding of small business dynamics that he carried throughout his life. He cherished moments spent with his parents and baby sister, Ky Lynn, fostering a legacy of family unity throughout his life.
On July 11, 2008, Larry married Eldonna Shaw, beginning a profoundly loving and enriched blended family life. Eldonna's children, Tim (Mo), Erin, and Larry (Teresa) Byres, and grandchildren Liam, Finnley, Frankie, Emma, and Ian joined together with his son Zach and daughter-in-law Andy to celebrate life's milestones with his cherished granddaughters, Savannah and Abigail. Larry shared a nurturing and supportive relationship with his sister, Ky Lynn Durham, that permeated through to his nephew, Nick Boyt (Katrina), and nieces, Katie Durham and Rachel White (Mike), each of whom held a special place in his heart. His role as an uncle was cherished and extended to his four grandnephews with adoration. Larry's family was defined by the enduring connections and heritage of love and guidance he fostered among all his beloveds.
Larry's academic journey was marked by excellence. He graduated from the University of Texas with bachelor's and master's degrees, participating in the esteemed Plan II program. He authored a bestselling book in the training industry, selling over 100,000 copies. This launched his 30-year career as a national consultant. Larry's professional life flourished at Eastern Washington University, where he became a professor, significantly impacting the management field through his innovative teaching and dedication to community development projects. In 2023, he was honored as an Emeritus Senior Lecturer of Business.
Larry's passion for teaching paralleled his dedication to his students, who found in him a mentor and a staunch advocate for their success. His commitment extended beyond the classroom as he engaged students in hands-on community projects that enriched their learning experiences and demonstrated real-world impacts. Larry's influence on his students was extensive and enduring, inspiring them to apply their knowledge creatively and ethically in their future careers. This mutual respect and admiration made Larry a pivotal figure in their lives, often remembered as a key mentor who significantly shaped their professional and personal paths.
Throughout his life, Larry was involved in significant community initiatives, including the revitalization of Hillyard and East Sprague, Green Bluff market research, and the Spokane Tribe business feasibility study. He also helped expand the Christmas Tree Elegance fundraiser and contributed to research that influenced local business and infrastructure, such as the feasibility study for a commuter train that could link Moscow-Pullman with Spokane.
Larry's passions expanded beyond his professional and community commitments. He was an avid collector of Southwestern art, a lover of classical music and the symphony, and an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Texas and EWU football.
Larry's life will be celebrated on March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. at The Fox Theater, with a reception following at The Spokane Club, coinciding with what would have been his 84th birthday. The community is warmly invited. In honor of his lifelong dedication to education and community service, a scholarship fund is being established at Eastern Washington University in Larry's name.
Larry was a blessing remembered as a charming, brilliant, kind Texan who united people to make a difference, touching the lives of many. His life was a story worthy of a book. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Larry's scholarship fund at Eastern Washington University are greatly appreciated. Details for online donations will be provided shortly.
Larry leaves a legacy of love, learning, and leadership that profoundly impacted all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his influence will resonate for generations.