Mark Thomas Davis

Mark Thomas Davis, age 72, died peacefully, but far too young on March 23, 2024. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on December 11, 1951 and was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Davis, Jr. and Marie (Case) Davis.

Mark graduated from E.C. Glass in 1970, University of Richmond in 1974, and T.C. Williams School of Law in 1977. After law school he agreed to work for his dad at the family store, James T. Davis Paint & Decorating, for five years. He was still there twenty years later when they sold the business and Mark set out on a second career in advertising at Dayrich Enterprises where he worked until his retirement in 2011.

A committed diarist and never without an opinion, Mark left behind decades of journals with travel, restaurant, movie, book, and TV reviews with classic “Mark”-isms throughout. He was quick to share a book, TV series, restaurant or music recommendation with his children, Dylan, Morgan and Katie. He read New York Magazine cover-to-cover every week and could get around NYC like a local – a trait he passed on to his kids for wherever they live and travel. And, he always reminded that there are two kinds of people: the ones who eat to live and the ones who live to eat. He and Morgan shared a love of trying new foods, perfecting recipes, creating taste sensations – and the student surpassed the master. If anything broke, needed adjusting or came with an instruction booklet (or was a car) Dylan was call #1 – which would also net Mark bonus facetime with his grandsons. He never met a stranger and was the fun goofball, especially to Katie and her friends who loved Mark aka “Wub”, many of whom credit regular funny Instagram stories of “Wub being Wub” as their survival strategy through Covid.

Mark loved travel and dining in the US and abroad, but Smith Mountain Lake and Marco Island, Florida, held special places in his heart. He loved reading by the pool, complaining about the hot tub maintenance, entertaining family and friends, his ugly bar, and his storied martini painting. Mark was smart, funny, forgiving, engaging and loved to talk.

He had many tips for living life to the fullest. Travel light, always use points for hotels, and always ask if your room reservation comes with a drink coupon. Never pass up a bathroom when abroad and always find a nearby dive for “breakfast beer.” Enjoy music, learn every Beatles song, and listen to your kids’ music. Savor every taste sensation. Remember: limes never go bad, expiration dates are simply suggestions, pork tenderloin and mushroom sauce is perfect for any occasion, and everyone loves fried cheese. And for an authentic Italian feel, pronounce mozzarella as “mootsarell” with a chef kiss.

Mark is survived by his wife of twenty years, Susan Richards Davis; his children Dylan Davis (Melissa), Morgan Davis (Allie), Katie Davis Phillips (Michael), his grandchildren James and Thomas; his sisters Mary Ellen Davis and Farley Dawson (Ed), and brother Jimmy Davis (Amy), and many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends, and his beloved dog, Buddy.

Also left to cherish a friendship that spanned forty years is his dear friend Linda Ware, whom Mark considered a part of his family, along with her daughter, Jackie.

Arriba, Abajo, Al Centro, Pa’ Dentro, Mark.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home at the end of July. 

Those wishing to make a contribution should consider The Arc of Central Virginia, Meals on Wheels of Lynchburg, or any charity of choice. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.