Dr. Frank M Davis was born on September 15, 1939, in Greenwood, Mississippi, and spent his childhood in the farmlands of Money, Mississippi. Frank passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Starkville, Mississippi.
Frank graduated from Mississippi State University in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in entomology by the age of 25. He represented Mississippi State on the tennis team, and to hear it from Frank, he never lost a game.
Frank spent decades serving as a research entomologist for the USDA and adjunct professor at Mississippi State, which honored him with Emeritus status after his retirement in 1999. The far-reaching impact of Frank’s distinguished career is outlined, in part, by the colleagues who nominated him for the Entomological Society of America’s Fellow Award—the organization’s most coveted title—which he received in 2005 along with the ESA’s Mentoring Honor. Frank authored or co-authored 163 publications, patented the ‘Davis Inoculator’ which is used throughout the world in insect rearing, and was instrumental in establishing the very first insect rearing educational program in the United States, which now bears his name. Entomology and agriculture scientists the world over sought out Frank’s expertise and assistance. In 2000, Frank’s contributions to agriculture were recognized in the Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution 568. Even more meaningful than his scientific accomplishments, however, is the way that he invested in “the morale of every person…from the laborers he worked hand in hand with to the secretaries and the scientists.” Frank saw the value of each individual he came across in his career and his community.
Frank loved Starkville and was a community leader through and through. He served as vice mayor and on the Board of Alderman for the city of Starkville. He was a founding member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and served for years as the clerk of the Session. In his later years, Frank and his wife, Ann, enjoyed being members of First United Methodist Church. Led by his faith to love his community, he could often be seen walking through town, picking up trash, and greeting passersby with warmth and kindness. Frank was a true ‘southern gentleman’ and the embodiment of southern hospitality.
Frank is survived by his wife, Ann O’Reilly Davis; his children Frank Davis Jr. (wife Carla), Mac Davis (wife Gayla), Elizabeth Williams, step-sons William and Phillip O’Reilly (wife Mary Armour), and brother Mallory Davis (wife Barbara). Frank also leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren; Jordan, Patrick, Grey, Holland, Mallory Ann, and Elle and step-grandchildren; Jesslyn, Clay, Drew, Liza, and William. Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carole McReynolds Davis, his parents, Mallory (‘Bill’) and Josephine Davis, and two sisters and a brother.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025 from 1 PM-2 PM at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following in the chapel. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Starkville.
Frank was cared for in his final years with dignity and compassion by the staff at Montgomery Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to honor his memory to Montgomery Gardens (4348 Old Hwy 12 West, Starkville, MS). The funds will help offset costs for residents in need.
