John Davis Jr.

1941 - 2025

John M. Davis, Jr., 84, of Austin, Texas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 23, 2025.
John was born in Austin, Texas, in 1941 to John and Eula Mae Davis. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1959 and earned his degree in architecture from The University of Texas at Austin in 1964, where he received the Wright Foundation Award in architectural history.
Following graduation, John married his high school sweetheart, Alice Marshall. He began his professional career with Page Southerland Page Architects and Engineers, where he contributed to the design of major healthcare facilities including UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Among his most cherished projects was First Baptist Church in downtown Austin.
John later served as Director of Physical Plant at UT Southwestern in Dallas before returning to Austin, where he was appointed Associate Director of Design with the UT System Administration Office of Facilities Planning and Construction. In that capacity, he oversaw new construction and significant renovations across all UT System campuses, including the expansion of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.
In 1966, John joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving as a Warrant Officer. He was an honors graduate of the U.S. Military Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Maryland, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In 1993, in recognition of his distinguished career, he was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, the organization's highest membership honor.
Beyond his professional life, John and Alice shared 56 years of marriage until her passing in 2019. Together, they raised two sons, Ryan and Chad, and actively supported their involvement in Scouts, choir, and band. They were immensely proud of their four grandchildren, and participated in numerous arts and civic organizations, including Laguna Gloria's Fiesta and the Assistance League of Austin.
In retirement, John pursued his passion for photography, earning numerous local, regional, and national awards, including Photographer of the Year from the Austin Camera Club. In his later years, he became an avid writer, publishing 15 books as a dedicated member of Austin's West End Writers Group.
John is survived by his sons, John Ryan Davis and wife Julie, and Chad Marshall Davis and wife Darla; and by his four grandchildren, Olivia, Joel, Owen, and Jacob Davis. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Marshall Davis, and his sister, Denise Davis Curb.
A visitation for John will be held Friday, September 5, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BetterATX.org (formerly the Assistance League of Austin) or a charity of your choice.