Dr. Terry Davis entered into the arms of his Lord on January 23rd with his family by his side. After a long battle with cancer, he is now in his pain-free, peaceful, resting place.

Terry was born on November 30,1955 in Albertville, Alabama. A servant of God and a family man, he dedicated his life to his community, serving schools, teachers, students, families, and his church, always to the glory of God. He was preceded in death by his parents Verlon and Marie Davis. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kim Lyons Davis; two sons, Stephen Tyler Davis and Matthew Ryan Davis (and wife Anusha); two granddaughters, Norah and Avi Davis; brother-in-Law, Phil Lyons (and wife Keatha).

As he grew up, Terry lived in many Alabama towns following his father's career as a successful retail store manager.  He graduated high school from Oxford High in 1974, an alma mater he has always been so proud of. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman University where he met his college sweetheart, Kim. Terry received his Master's Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his Doctorate of Education degree at the University of Alabama.

After Terry and Kim married, their hometown for the next 46 years would be Huntsville, Alabama. Terry began his career as an educator at Madison Academy, and as Youth Minister at Mastin Lake Road Church of Christ. During this time, he taught science, coached several sports and was a guidance counselor.   In 1985, he began his long tenure in the Madison County School System serving in many roles, mentoring many new educators, and eventually being elected Superintendent of Education. He was respected and revered across the state known for his bipartisan, fair, and visionary leadership in public education. He took pride in the dynamic teams of educators and administrators that he was able to build, and valued every relationship.

After retiring from the State of Alabama, Terry was able to accomplish a lifelong goal, serving as an elder in the Lord's church. He enjoyed mission work, helping his wife, Kim, teach in the Children's Ministry, and lending his expertise to the growth of the Mayfair Child Development Center at their home church for the last 25 years - Mayfair Church of Christ. While he and Kim were enjoying traveling, watching their sons excel in their careers, and being blessed with two adorable granddaughters, Terry felt God was calling him to "expand his territory" one more time.  The school that gave him his start on his education journey invited him to make a true full circle, and he accepted Madison Academy's invitation to serve as the school's President until his health no longer allowed.

With 40 years of attending school activities, and supporting Matt's and Stephen's interests, little time was left for personal hobbies.  But he enjoyed immensely the annual Fall adventures with his Oxford High School best friends as they eventually visited every SEC football stadium and reminisced about their terrific years together.

Terry will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever be remembered through the lives he touched and his life-long commitment of service to his God, his family, and his community.  There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 25th at 3:00 p.m. at the Mayfair Church of Christ, 1095 Carl T. Jones Dr. in Huntsville.  The family will visit with friends from 1:00-3:00 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Terry chose contributions to be made to the Children's Ministry expansion at Mayfair Church of Christ, Madison Academy, or Steady for Life, Inc.