Richard John Davis, M.D.

Richard John Davis, M.D., fondly known as “Dick,” passed away on Saturday, October 19th, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Nashville, TN.

Richard was born to Eleanore and Richard Petty Davis on February 14, 1948 in Long Beach, California. Eleanore, a registered nurse and officer in the United States Navy, served her country during World War II. Richard P., a decorated career naval officer in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Navy, served during World War II and the Korean War.

Dr. Richard John Davis received his undergraduate degree with high honors from the University of San Diego. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School where he met his wife, Dr. Carla Miller Davis, a fellow medical student. Richard and Carla enjoyed 47 years of marriage and had three daughters: Sarah, Emily and Allison.

In 1968, Richard was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Navy and served as a medical officer for his fellow sailors. As a resident in medical school, he served on the Project Hope with the Department of OB/GYN providing humanitarian aid. He remained in active duty until he was honorably discharged in 1978, having proudly served his country.

Following his service, he returned to Vanderbilt Medical School where he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and became Board Certified. Dr. Davis practiced at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN with partners Dr. Norman Witthauer, Dr. James Brakefield, and Dr. Michael Swan, and he was beloved by his patients and staff.

In 1987, while practicing medicine, he earned an M.B.A. through the Owen Graduate School of Management, his second degree through Vanderbilt University. Richard retired from medical practice in 1999 to pursue other interests as a private investor, strategic consultant, and a board member to emerging technology companies in the medical field. His interests in investing and technology led him to work as a judge for the FIRST Robotics Competitions, obtain several investment-related patents, and co-author the book, Confirmatory Analysis: Finding Winning Stocks, with Allan P. Harris, and James E. Farris.

enjoyed fly fishing with his family in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Montana. He served as President of the Cumberland Chapter of Trout Unlimited and helped launch the organization’s brook trout conservation license plate in Tennessee. He also served as a Tennessee State Council Representative for the Trout Unlimited National Leadership Council.

Dr. Davis dearly loved raising orchids and visiting botanical gardens with his wife, Carla. Together, they grew a variety of orchid plants and supported conservation by tending to rescued and endangered species in their home greenhouse. Richard and his wife were active members of the Middle Tennessee Orchid Society where Richard served as vice-president and treasurer.

Richard was a devoted parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church in Nashville, TN. He demonstrated his generous, yet humble spirit in every action and always gave the utmost respect to everyone he met. He served God devoutly and his country valiantly and will be greatly missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, father and many loving aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Carla Miller Davis; daughters, Sarah Davis (Patrick), Emily Davis (Philip), and Allison Davis (Nathan); grandchildren, Davis, Grey, and Sylvia; and his sister, Dr. Patricia Davis-Wiley (Stephen).

A visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Belmont Ave. in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, November 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00am. A private burial with military honors will be held at the Nashville National Cemetery in Madison, TN. Marshall-Donnelly Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alive Hospice and The Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.