Murray Stuart Davis

Murray Stuart Davis Passed away peacefully at home in San Francisco, CA, on May 17, 2007. Murray was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on February 10, 1940. He received his B.A. from the University of Chicago, his M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Brandeis University, and also did graduate work at the University of California, Berkeley. He taught sociology at the University of California, San Diego, and previously at Northern Illinois University. In 1982, he and his family moved to Berkeley where he continued his scholarship, publishing books on love and intimate relations, sociology of sex, humor, a theory of the interesting, and aphorisms. Everyone who knew Murray found him to be one of the most brilliant and interesting people they have ever met. He was a devoted father and husband, respected colleague and contributor to the field of sociology, a gifted, popular, and awarded teacher, a mentor and inspiration to many students who followed in his footsteps, as well as a delight to family and friends. Murray had an endless curiosity, a way with words and insights, a talent for aphorisms, and an eccentric sense of humor and wit that made him an engaging presence to be around. He loved being with his family, fine food and conversation, the arts and sciences, playing chess and travel. He leaves behind his adoring family: daughter, Elise Davis; sons, Emory Davis and Ethan Davis; and their mother, Catherine Schmidt. He was predeceased by his parents, William Davis and Reva Davis. An uncommon man who will be forever in our hearts and missed and loved always. He will be interred in San Francisco, CA, the city that he loved.