DAVID BURLESON DAVISS, JR.

- June 29, 2022

David Burleson Daviss, Jr. was born on June 2, 1936, in Dallas, Texas, the elder child of D. Burle and Helene Vance Daviss. He died peacefully on June 29, 2022, in San Antonio. A man of impeccable integrity, he had high expectations of himself as well as others. He was also kind and generous, willing to help whenever he perceived a need. These qualities, combined with David’s sense of humor, intense curiosity, and adventuresome spirit made his life impactful and unforgettable.

As a high school student David was the top-ranked tennis player in Texas. With an athletic scholarship, he attended Rice University. Within a week of graduating with his engineering degree David received his military commission, turned 22, and married his best friend, Claire Hudspeth. He served in the US Navy and then earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. David’s career began at Underwood, Neuhaus & Co. in Houston, but in 1966 he and Claire moved their young family to San Antonio. In following

June 2, 1936

years David held various positions, including CFO, COO, and CEO, for Swearingen Aircraft, Church’s Chicken, La Quinta Motor Inns, Inc., and Luby’s Inc. David’s leadership extended well beyond his employment as he also served on many corporate and non-profit boards.

David pursued interests and hobbies with the passion of a lifelong scholar. He studied Spanish, photography, birding, and astronomy. With musical tastes from Willie Nelson to opera, David was a generous patron of the San Antonio Symphony and Cactus Pear Music Festival. He and Claire filled their home with vibrant art, often collected as they traveled. A member of the Alamo Kiwanis Club, David valued the fellowship and informative presentations of weekly meetings. He read extensively and relished thoughtful discussions, especially about matters of faith. He remained active, and in his last years at home, still enjoyed walks with his beloved labradoodle, Lucy. Most uniquely, David took up hot-air ballooning in his fifties, becoming a commercial pilot and traveling with Claire to fly in many of the largest balloon festivals in the nation. Fellow pilots honored him at the National Balloon Classic/American Sport Balloon Championship with the “1996 Jon Russell Spirit of Ballooning Award.”

David confronted Alzheimer’s Disease with courage and grace. He will be dearly missed by his wife Claire Hudspeth Daviss; children, Amy Zesch (Hal), Burle Daviss (Betsy), Mary Claire Munroe (Mike), and Maxim Chyobotov (Cynthia); thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his sister Lee Givens (Ned). A joyful celebration of David’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on July 15 at University Presbyterian Church, Rev. Andries Coetzee officiating. The family requests that attendees wear masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to University Presbyterian Church, Friends of Hospice, or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

11:00 A.M. UNIVERSITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

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