Ronald L. Davis

1933 - 2022

Ronald L. Davis was born 9/22/33 to Leroy and Ruth Davis in Cambridge, Ohio and he died 9/11/2022 peacefully with hospice care in Wimberley, Texas. He is survived by his loving spouse, Santiago Nambo, a relationship that has spanned 22 years.

At age five, Ron's family moved to Texas. Here, Ron completed his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D degrees from the University of Texas, Austin and he remained an avid Texas Longhorn fan. He attained teaching appointments at Emporia State University, Michigan State University before joining Southern Methodist University in 1965. He was a U.S. and cultural historian, and he is the author of 20 books and more than 30 articles and pamphlets. He served as director of SMU's DeGoyler Institute for American Studies, as coordinator of SMU's American Civilization Program, as a reader for SMU and University of Texas Press and as a reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities. He was a member of the advisory boards for both the SMU Press and the Handbook for Texas produced by the Texas State Historical Association. He received the Outstanding Professor Award twice as voted by the student body. He directed SMU's Oral History Project, which accumulated over 500 oral biographical interviews with Hollywood actors, directors, producers and writers. He conducted most of the interviews himself, although some were done by other professionally trained historians. From these, he authored a number of books. He retired from SMU in 2001.

Ron and Santiago moved to Wimberley in 2007. Here, they enjoyed extensive travel together and with the U.T. Alumni Association. They hosted both "movie night" and "opera night" for friends at their home and Ron always presented a detailed historic perspective of the feature. Ron will be missed by Santiago, his professional colleagues and friends, and his church friends. A memorial service will be held Wednesday October 12, 2022, at 11 o' clock at Chapel in the Hills, 14601 RR 12; Wimberley, Texas 78676. Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Ron Davis to Chapel in the Hills; P.O. Box 1808; Wimberley, Texas 78676-1808.