Carl F. Davis Jr.

Born on November 12, 1931, in West Virginia, Dr. Davis pursued a distinguished academic career. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from WVU Potomac State College in Keyser, West Virginia. His educational journey continued at the University of Southern California, where he obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dr. Davis later earned a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School. His lifelong commitment to education and scholarship was demonstrated both by his learning and his 30+ years of teaching at several colleges – USC, Claremont Colleges, University of La Verne, Pepperdine University, and University of Redlands, as well as instructing at the Naval Reserve Officers School, the Naval War College, and the Industrial War College.

Dr. Davis served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, exemplifying dedication and service to his country. Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, he was actively engaged in his community through organizations such as the Masons, Republican politics, a bridge group, and the United Methodist Men. In recognition of his service and devotion, Dr. Davis received the Hiram Award from the Masons on July 20, 2019.

While always busy teaching or serving others, he found time to coach little league, help with Sunday school, and take family trips. While the family drove across the country, he would work a few more days then fly to meet them and finish the trip. A different route was taken on each of the trips so most of the National Parks in the lower 48 were visited. He helped others and he helped family with his time, money, and advice – even when they may not have wanted to hear it. He also enjoyed traveling to see family in Montana, Northern California, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Atlanta, Maryland, and New Jersey or meeting family at Williamsburg, VA, where he would teach them all about US history.

Dr. Davis is survived by his wife of over thirty years, Lois; his son Carl III and wife Leah, along with their children Shira and Ricky; his son Kevin and wife Katherine, along with their daughter Danielle; his daughter Cora; his son Keith and wife Daphne, along with their children Zack and wife Tracie, Amanda and her children (great grandkids) Callie and Cash; his daughter Karen and her children Harry & Matthias (Tias); Lois’s daughter Nancy and husband Brian, along with their children Stephanie and Kelsea; son Ray and partner Janna, along with his children Fred, wife Crystal and their children (great-grandsons) Freddie Jr. and Gunner; James, partner Korrin and his son (great-grandson) Aiden; and Cheyanne and her friend Mason.

He was preceded by his father, Carl Sr.; mother, Mildred; first wife, Dorothy; brother, Randy; and Lois’s grandchild, James.

A family-only funeral service for Dr. Davis will be held on February 28, 2025, at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, CA. A memorial gathering will be held on March 1, 2025, at the El Segundo Masonic Center at 520 Main Street in El Segundo, California, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Dr. Davis’s legacy of education, service, and community involvement will be remembered by those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute