Larry E. Davis, MD

Dr. Larry E. Davis, 85, Distinguished Professor of Neurology & Neuroscience at the UNM School of Medicine and Chief of Neurology at the NM VA Healthcare System for 45 years, passed at home on December 21, 2025.

Dr. Davis is survived by Ruth Luckasson, his wife of 30 years; daughter, Meredith Davis (Jason Glenn); son, Colin Davis (Dan Child); stepson, Charles Ellis (Jinx Mares); three grandchildren, Ethan, Melissa, and Lillie; sister, Linda Hinrichs (Kit); stepsister, Elinor Colby; brother-in-law, Lynn Luckasson (Nancy); mother-in-law, Virginia Luckasson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by first wife, Geraldine Temples in 1983; and parents, Lloyd Davis and Ruth LeoPard Kelly.

Dr. Davis, who trained at Stanford University and Johns Hopkins, came to UNM in 1975 and helped build neurology in NM when the medical school began. He worked internationally, including serving as Red Cross Medical Director for the Biafran crisis in Southern Nigeria (1969); teaching medicine in Shanghai, China (1988) where he also began collecting old Mao buttons on weekend excursions; and conducting research at Mill Hill in London (1996). He was a true traveler, always interested in people and their cultures, consistently exploring the globe, including, for example, trips to Bhutan, Iran, and Mongolia. Larry was deeply committed to his family, science, and excellent patient care. He wrote over 300 research publications, quickly recognized the potential benefits of teleneurology in a rural state and conducted the early research on it, and wrote multiple books including two editions of "Fundamentals of Neurologic Disease" for medical students. He was named the 2007 Distinguished Neurology Teacher by the American Neurological Association. Larry and Ruth were blessed to share their family, meaningful work, the arts, dinners with friends, and adventurous travels.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish we suggest a charity of your choice or The Dr. Larry E. Davis & Ruth Luckasson Endowment for Excellence in Neurology. Donations may be made by mailing a check payable to the UNM Foundation, Attn: Aaron Currence, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Two Woodward Place, Suite 203, Albuquerque, NM 87102, with an accompanying note indicating that the donation is being made in memory of Dr. Larry E. Davis to the Davis & Luckasson Endowment for Excellence in Neurology. Or donate online: University of New Mexico Foundation - Support the University of New Mexico - Your Gift.