Lowery H. Davis

Lowery H. Davis, loving husband, father, grandfather and teacher passed away in Las Cruces October 4, 2008, at the age of 87. He was born August 19, 1921 in Jasper, AL to John Ike and Lilla Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Doris; daughter, Denise and husband Zig Glinski of Philadelphia, PA, daughter Melissa (Missy) and husband Keith Griffin, of Longview, TX and son Lowery, Jr. (Woody) and Cindy of St. Helens, OR, and five grandchildren, Donna Glinski, Cassie and Caitlyn Griffin and Lexie and James Lowery Davis. Lowery served three years in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Dr. Davis earned his B.S. degree in Agricultural Education from Auburn University in 1948 and his M.S. degree from the same institution in1952. He went on to The Ohio State University where he received a Ph.D. Dr. Davis had an exceptional career in education for 40 years including 34 in higher education. During his career he was honored by a variety of national educational organizations and was known for his work in vocational education. In 1955 he joined the Agricultural Education Department at The Ohio State University. In 1959, Dr. Davis was named professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Education at Clemson University. He moved to Las Cruces in November 1970 when President Gerald W. Thomas announced that Dr. Davis would be the first Dean of the Division of Continuing Education at New Mexico State University. This Division became the College of Human and Community Services (now College of Health and Social Services). He held this position until his retirement in 1988. He was also well known on the New Mexico State University campus for his 1968 white step side Ford pickup with wooden side boards. Lowery was an outstanding educator, teacher, mentor and friend in the academic world. He was a positive influence to thousands during his 40 years in education. Students were the love and joy and reason for his career. Numerous students have sought counsel and stayed in contact. Many visited him long after their schooling was over and have been considered true friends. These were among his most treasured memories. He was an active member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church Las Cruces, where he served on many committees and enjoyed time spent working with the Senior Adult Council. He and Doris also chaired the Student Adoption Ministry (SAM) through association with the church and the Baptist Student Union, showing his love and connection of students with his love of his personal savor, Jesus Christ. His dedication to people extended into the community by serving two terms on the Board for Memorial Medical Center Foundation. The family appreciates the loving care provided by Hospice Nurse Jon LaVertu, his CNA Sam Holguin and Mesilla Valley Hospice. There will be graveside services at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery at 9:00 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2008, for family and friends. The memorial services to celebrate the life of Lowery will be held at the First Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Thursday October 9th. Following this service will be a time to visit with family and friends in the Fellowship Hall across the patio. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lowery H. Davis' name to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ava. Las Cruces, NM 88005. PDF Printable Version