Remembering Bob Davis, Former Trustee and Friend of Daytona State College

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bob Davis, a devoted friend of Daytona State College and a tireless advocate for our region’s hospitality industry and the people who work in it.

Bob was a true fixture in Daytona Beach for more than 60 years. As CEO of the Lodging and Hospitality Association of Volusia County for more than three decades, his influence on the region’s tourism and economic vitality was unmatched. But titles only hint at the scope of Bob’s contributions. He was, above all, a connector, a champion and a deeply generous spirit.

Appointed to the Daytona State College District Board of Trustees in 2010, Bob served with distinction through 2022. "He was on the Board when I became president, and over the years became a trusted advisor and a cherished friend," said Dr. Tom LoBasso, DSC President. "Bob was a tireless ambassador for the College, promoting our programs to everyone he met and encouraging them to pursue their education here. Thanks to his personal outreach, hundreds of students enrolled, not just in hospitality and culinary programs, but across every area of study."

Early in his tenure as CEO of the Lodging and Hospitality Association, Bob launched the annual Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament, which raised funds to support students at Daytona State and Bethune-Cookman University. That tournament continues to open doors for aspiring hospitality professionals to this day.

Bob never missed a chance to help others. He was a lifelong advocate for frontline workers, hotel managers and tourism promoters – always putting others first and lifting them up with his energy, optimism and sense of purpose. If someone in the industry needed a job, he was the first to spread the word to local hotels and restaurants. He supported countless charitable causes, including one of his favorites, Food Brings Hope, which ensures children in the community don’t go to school hungry.

Costa Magoulas shared, “Bob was a legend – he was totally dedicated to the hospitality industry. He personally touched the lives of so many others, helping students in the Volusia County Schools, Daytona State and Bethune-Cookman University to achieve success in hospitality. I will sorely miss his daily emails and the passion he exhibited at all times. But most of all I will miss a dedicated friend.”

Bob’s passing marks the end of an era. In 2024, the College honored him by establishing the Bob Davis Culinary and Hospitality Endowed Scholarship. His legacy will live on through every student whose life is changed by that support.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange (1201 Dunlawton Avenue), followed by a processional to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Bob Davis DSC Scholarship Fund, in honor of Bob’s enduring legacy and dedication to education.

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