Deacon Robert Thomas Davis

Deacon Robert Thomas Davis
May 31, 1946 – May 9, 2026

Deacon Robert (Bob) T. Davis, 79, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday May 9, 2026, peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 31, 1946, in New Rochelle, New York, Bob lived a life centered on faith, family, service, and laughter.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) T. Davis and Frances K. Parker, his brother, John Davis, and his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen A. Davis.

He is lovingly survived by his two daughters, Katie Landsman (David) of Acworth, Georgia, and Megan Davis of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was a proud and loving grandfather to his three cherished grandsons, John Patrick Landsman, Matthew Landsman, and Noah Landsman. He is also survived by his four siblings, Thomas Davis, Edward Davis, Virginia Davis-DiCecco, and Kevin Davis. He is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.

‘Bobby’ spent a wonderful childhood surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family in New Rochelle, NY and often reminisced about his youth. It was there that he started his journey of faith attending Catholic school and attending Church of the Holy Family.

Bob served in the US Army and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. While there he joined a wonderful Catholic group that became so important in his life and that of Karen and the girls. Many summer vacations were spent at reunions with this special group of friends over the years and he counted them as family in all the ways that matter.

Bob devoted much of his life to education, serving as a history teacher at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ for over 20 years and then as the Director of Social Studies Education for the city of Newark. In addition to his career in public education, Bob also worked at several colleges as both a professor and a student teacher supervisor and mentor. In this role he helped hundreds of future teachers develop the skills and empathy needed to mold future generations. One of the history teachers he helped was his own daughter, Katie.

Bob’s faith continued to grow and in 1995 he was ordained a Catholic Deacon by the Diocese of Paterson, NJ. Through this role, he was able to continue to teach and help others. Deacon Bob was well known for his deep and touching homilies, and he loved performing baptisms and weddings. He was a long-standing Deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Swartswood, NJ and was a deacon at St. Michael Catholic Church after moving to Myrtle Beach. Working within the church was one of the true joys of his life.

Bob’s call to serve went beyond the Army, teaching, and the church. Bob ran for State Assembly in NJ several times and introduced both of his children to the importance of serving the community. His service lives on in both his daughters who are involved in politics and non-profit service.

Bob was known for his deep faith, warm sense of humor, kind heart, and belief that he was always the smartest person in the room (iykyk). Bob enjoyed trivia, gardening, bird watching, puns, and telling jokes. Animals were a huge part of his life, and he adopted everything from dogs and cats to birds and even a pony for his girls. He adored every moment he spent with his grandsons and looked forward to family beach trips every year. Above all else, he treasured spending time with his family, friends, and church community. He was often heard saying that being with family was what matters most.

Bob’s life was a blessing to all who knew him, and his memory will forever be held close in the hearts of those he loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 22, 2026 at 12pm at St. Michael Catholic Church,  542 Cypress Ave, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Inurnment within the church columbarium will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked you to consider making a donation in Bob's name to the Grand Strand Humane Society. www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.