R. Glenn Davis, MD, loving husband, father and Peepaw, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord while at the family lake house in Melrose, FL on July 4, 2021. He grew up at E. 44th Street Baptist Church, where he was saved and remained a member for many years. He was born in Jacksonville, FL, to John and Travis Davis on September 30, 1949.
He often read books and studied the lives of great men, to learn what he could from them. Early in school, he was chosen to be a patrol boy. That put him in contact with other high-achieving kids. He was greatly impacted by their trip to Washington, D.C. It was after reading the book, “Magnificent Obsession: Seeking First the Kingdom of God,” that Glenn decided to become a doctor and help as many people as he could. He was told by college professors and medical school counselors he didn’t have what it took to be a doctor, and might as well quit trying. But Glenn would not give up, and the rest is history.
He was proud of his Northside roots. He attended North Shore Elementary, Kirby Smith Junior High and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1967. During his school years, he was popular and made many lifelong friends. Following graduation, he worked the summer at Alton Box Board, which he continued to do for the following several years during summer breaks. While there, he often invited grown men to box in his parents’ backyard on E. 47th St. There was nothing he detested more than a bully, and many learned that in a definite and attitude-altering way. However, his real life’s passion was helping people, not hurting them. So he began the long, hard, monumental journey to become a doctor.
He began college at Jacksonville University from where he graduated in 1972 with a BS in Biology. During his time at JU, he married the love of his life, Jacki Pafford, in 1971. Later that year, their first-born son, Robby, was born. Following graduation, he worked one long, hard year at Alton Box Board before being accepted into medical school at the University of Florida. While in Gainesville, his wife gave birth to their second son, Josh, in 1976. He graduated from medical school in 1977. After graduation, he did his internship and residency at Shands Hospital at his home in Jacksonville.
He returned to Gainesville with his family to do his fellowship in Nephrology at UF under Dr. C. Craig Tisher. While there, his third son, Cliff, was born in 1980. After coming home, he went into private practice in 1983 with Dr. Louis Gregory who, not only was a wonderful partner for over 30 years, but was also a beloved friend. Dr. Gregory and Davis were associated with DCI (Dialysis Clinic, Inc.) for their entire careers. In 2011, they sold their practice to them and became the Nephrology Consultants of Jax. During his career, Dr. Davis served as the Chief of Medicine and Chief of Nephrology at Baptist Medical Center Downtown.
He served in many other capacities during his tenure at BMC. He was selected as one of Jacksonville’s top nephrologists every year, and won many awards from nurses and staff. He was board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. In 2005, he was honored with an Endowed Chair at UF’s Department of Nephrology.
His life’s work was taking care of others. He prayed for them and with them. He loved helping others live happier and longer lives and was literally adored by patients, partners and office and hospital staff alike. Glenn loved people, all people. He would treat you with respect and affection and it did not matter to him if you were a janitor or the CEO. His heart could not be measured, and he was always open to taking the time or money to help someone. Dr. Davis loved old cars, trains, Coke machines, gas pumps and just about anything else that reminded him of the beloved ‘50s America.
Dr. Davis was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, John and Travis Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jacki Davis; his three sons, Robby Davis (Dana); grandsons, Jack and Luke; Joshua Davis (Lesley); two granddaughters, Addison and Macy; Clifford Davis (Heidi) and three grandchildren, Dixie, Jacquelyn and Clifford. He is also survived by his two brothers, Norman Davis (Cheryl) and Mitch Davis (Brenda).
Services will be held Thursday, July 15 at Southside Baptist Church 1435 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, until the service begins at 3 pm with Rev. Steve Ross officiating.
Glenn, from your wife of more than 50 years – How can I ever live without you, my love? You are my heart and soul, and the love of my life. I am so honored to have been loved by such a man as you!
Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or you may honor him by making donations to Camp Okawehna c/o DCI, 1633 Church St. Ste 500, Nashville, TN 37203. This is a camp for children who are on dialysis. Patients suffering from kidney disease were his passion.
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I am sorry to hear of Glenn’s passing. We went to school together at Kirby and Jackson. He absolutely is one of the nicest people I have ever met.
I was one of Dr. Davis’s beloved patients. We laughed and prayed together during a very difficult time. He gave me the very best of care; he gave me Christ. He said that he wasn’t going to let me go on his watch and he kept that promise. My wife and I are very thankful to have known him, for the care he gave me, and for his utmost perseverance. We know that he’s part of Heaven’s never ending songs of praise!
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