Brian Raymond Davis

Brian succumbed peacefully to a 14 month illness while resting at his home in Austin on March 3, 2016, where he was surrounded by family. Brian was born to the late Ina Rae and Darius Raymond Davis in Dallas, Texas where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Sunset High School in 1966, and earned numerous academic scholarships to further his studies at Southern Methodist University. While at SMU, Brian majored in philosophy, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Following his graduation from SMU in 1970, he began his life in Austin, Texas. He attended the University of Texas School of Law from 1970 to 1973, where he was mentored by the late professor and legal scholar, Charles Alan Wright. There, he was a published member of the Texas Law Review, and honored with membership in both the Order of the Coif and Chancellors. After graduating from law school, Brian clerked for the Honorable Homer Thornberry of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. During this clerkship he further informed his opinion that "law is a very serious business" that should be practiced in furtherance of social justice as derived from the Constitution.

Brian maintained his law practice in Austin until his passing and diligently read and briefed every case published by the federal appellate courts on a daily basis. Professionally, he was regarded as a premier appellate and regulatory attorney with an unparalleled grasp of condensing the most complex issues into logical and foregone conclusions. Professor Wright is said to have regarded Brian as among the brightest law students he ever taught.

Brian is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynn Richards Davis, his daughter Lisa Emily Davis, his stepson, Jack William Plunkett, Jr., and his niece, Shannon Crum, whom he regarded as a member of his immediate family. He is also survived by his brother Mark Davis and his wife, Bonita, and their two sons, Stephen and Douglas, Mother-in-Law, Margie Ann Richards, one aunt and many cousins.

Brian was a simple man whose brilliance and kindness emanated from his sweet smile until the end. He loved his family first, and the law second, followed closely by his love of dogs. We will all miss him terribly but will remember him for his unyielding integrity and commitment to doing what is right over what is easy, popular, or profitable.

The family extends their gratitude to Doctors Demetrius Loukas and Timothy Dziuk, as well as the excellent nurses and staff at Texas Oncology, for their loving care and concern. They also wish to thank Dr. Brian Berger, Ophthalmologist extraordinaire, who enabled Brian to keep his sight over the last 5 years in spite of multiple setbacks. Finally, they extend their gratitude to Debbie Cooper, RN, Nurys Finney, and Peggy Stoll, the loving angels from Hospice Austin for their attention and efforts toward Brian and his family in his final days.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin or Austin Pets Alive!