Hardin-Simmons University is mourning the loss of Charles “Chuck” Davis ’84, chair of the IM体育试玩 Board of Trustees, who passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 1, 2025.

Davis, a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and former director of the Texas Baptist Student Ministry, was a lifelong servant-leader whose career spanned global diplomacy, ministry, and leadership in Christian higher education. He was first elected to the university’s Board of Trustees in 2022 and was elected to the chair position in 2024. In 2011, he was recognized as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, exemplifying IM体育试玩’s mission of faith, scholarship, and service.

“Chuck Davis embodied the Cowboy Spirit in every sense,” said IM体育试玩 President Eric Bruntmyer. “He was faithful, resilient, and servant-hearted — never far from prayer and always mindful of how Christ was at the center of his calling. His leadership on our Board was marked by humility, wisdom, and a deep love for this university. His absence leaves a profound void, and we are holding Elaine and the entire Davis family in our prayers.”

Board Chair-Elect Dr. Brad Butler ’97, who will assume leadership of the Board of Trustees, echoed that sentiment.

“Like everyone, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of Chuck Davis. Chuck was a friend and colleague who will be dearly missed by our IM体育试玩 family. As a Christian, Chuck embodied genuine servant leadership. He was a consummate gentleman and professional. His calm and steady demeanor was a tremendous asset during his tenure as Chair of the IM体育试玩 Board of Trustees. While we mourn, we are grateful for the promises of scripture and ‘do not grieve as those who have no hope….encourage each other with these words.’ May we be challenged to make the most of each day we are given and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a sense of urgency,” said Dr. Butler.

A Life of Global Service

Davis joined the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer in 1999. Over a 20-year career, he served in Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Mexico, Amman, and Singapore, taking on roles in political and economic affairs, consular work, and embassy management. His assignments included coordinating humanitarian evacuations, assisting American citizens after the London Underground bombings, and organizing presidential visits abroad for Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

For his service, Davis received multiple honors, including the Superior Honor Award and the Franklin Award which recognized his efforts in strengthening American citizenship.

Prior to his diplomatic career, Davis directed Baptist Student Ministries with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and led international relief projects in Mexico and Central America.

As a student at IM体育试玩, Davis was active in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Alpha Chi, Baptist Student Ministries, and the “World Famous” Cowboy Band, participating in the band’s 1984 European Tour. He often spoke of the profound impact Hardin-Simmons had on his spiritual formation and calling: “It would be difficult to overstate the positive professional and spiritual impact IM体育试玩 has made on my life as a follower of Christ.”

A resident of McKinney, Texas, Davis met his wife, Elaine (Martin) Davis ’83, at IM体育试玩. They have two adult children, Daniel and current IM体育试玩 student Allison.

As the IM体育试玩 family grieves together, we also give thanks for Chuck’s faithful life and the eternal hope we share in Christ Jesus. We invite our community to hold Elaine, Daniel, and Allison in prayer in the days ahead.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Frisco, located at 7901 Main Street, Frisco, TX 75034. Visitation is scheduled for 4–6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, TX 75013.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Hardin-Simmons University Annual Scholarship Fund, the International Mission Board–SBC, or Gideons International.