Larry Davis, a highly respected master electrician, accomplished real estate investor, and beloved community figure, passed away on January 29, 2026, at his home in Yulee, Florida. He was 83 years old.
Originally from Vidalia, Georgia, Mr. Davis built a multifaceted legacy characterized by technical expertise in the electrical trades, sharp entrepreneurial acumen in real estate, and a deep-seated generosity toward his community. His life story reflects a classic American trajectory of hard work, continuous learning, and enduring family devotion.
Early Life & Education
Larry Davis was born on December 8, 1942, to Flora (Sammons) Davis and O.C. Davis. Raised in the tight-knit community of Vidalia, Georgia, he grew up in a household that valued diligence and community service—his mother, Flo, was a long-time school cafeteria manager and dedicated hospital auxilian.
Mr. Davis attended Toombs Central High School, graduating in 1961. Recognizing early on that his aptitudes lay in technical and mechanical fields, he pursued further education at the Americus Trade School, where he specialized in electrical work. This foundational training set the stage for a lifetime of technical proficiency. After completing trade school, he honed his skills by taking on various roles for local electrical companies, steadily building the practical experience that would define his professional career. During this early period, he and his first wife, Wilma, welcomed their son, Larry Dean, in January 1964.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Mr. Davis’s professional zenith was defined by his mastery of the electrical trades. He completed a rigorous four-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician, a credential that paved the way for a distinguished, decades-long career at the St. John’s River Power Plant.
Working at a major power generation facility required an uncompromising commitment to safety, precision, and technical excellence. As an exceptional electrician, Mr. Davis was instrumental in maintaining the complex electrical infrastructure required to keep the plant operational and safe. His colleagues and supervisors recognized him not only for his mechanical capabilities but also for his reliability and problem-solving skills in high-stakes industrial environments. He remained a vital asset to the St. John’s River Power Plant until his well-earned retirement.
Leadership & Affiliations
Beyond his primary career, Mr. Davis was a prominent and highly respected member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 177. His commitment to the union extended far beyond his working years; even in retirement, he remained an active presence, regularly attending the local’s Christmas and retirement gatherings to support the next generation of tradesmen and maintain lifelong friendships.
Mr. Davis also possessed a formidable entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside his second wife, Betty Davis, he ventured into the competitive field of real estate investment. Through strategic acquisitions and diligent property management, the couple built a substantial portfolio, owning and managing up to 30 properties at the height of their investing career. This success showcased his strategic foresight and financial acumen, proving his expertise extended well beyond the electrical grid.
A man of diverse passions, Mr. Davis was an avid motorsports enthusiast. He translated his mechanical expertise to the racetrack, where he competitively raced his own car at venues like Jax Raceway. Behind the scenes, he was quietly philanthropic, known as a generous man who regularly donated to a wide variety of charitable organizations without seeking public recognition.
Legacy & Impact
Larry Davis leaves behind a legacy of industrial contribution, entrepreneurial success, and deep familial bonds. He is survived by his devoted second wife, Betty Davis, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage; his son, Larry Dean Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; and his daughter, Ginger Eubanks of Bryceville, Florida. He is also survived by two brothers, Steve Davis of Valdosta, Georgia, and Wayne Davis of Vidalia, Georgia; two grandsons, Alex Boshart and Daniel Hilbrant of Jacksonville, Florida; and two great-grandsons, Oliver and Jasper. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.C. and Flo Davis.
To honor his life and expansive network of friends and colleagues, the family arranged a viewing at the Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on February 2, 2026. Mr. Davis was subsequently transported to his hometown of Vidalia, Georgia, where a secondary viewing and services were held on February 6, 2026, at the Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home. He was laid to rest with a graveside service at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, taking his final place next to his beloved parents.
Larry Davis will be remembered as a master of his trade, a shrewd investor, a thrilling competitor on the racetrack, and, above all, a generous patriarch whose impact will be felt by his family and community for generations to come.