Erroll B. Davis Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS). He leaves behind a legacy of strength, leadership, and deep love for his family. Born on August 5, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erroll lived a life marked by excellence and purpose. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and later received his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago. These institutions laid the foundation for a career defined by breaking barriers and institutional transformation.
A Career of Distinction
Throughout his life, Erroll’s work changed the landscape of American business and education. He was a trailblazer in the corporate world, serving as the Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy, where he distinguished himself as one of the few African American leaders of a Fortune 500 company. His strategic brilliance led him to serve on the boards of global giants, including General Motors and Union Pacific Corp. His commitment to higher education includes serving as Chair of the National Academy of Engineering and as chairman of the board of trustees of Carnegie Mellon University, of which he is a life member. In Wisconsin, he served on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. This service predated his later leadership as the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, where he oversaw 35 public colleges and universities. Later, he stepped in to lead the Atlanta Public Schools as Superintendent during a pivotal era, working with integrity to restore the district’s focus on its students. His influence extended even to the world of sports, where he served on the Board of Directors for the United States Olympic Committee.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Erroll’s leadership received consistent recognition. He was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America” by Fortune magazine and one of the “75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise. His technical and executive brilliance earned him the title of “Black Engineer of the Year” in 1988 and a Bronze Medal in Financial World’s “CEO of the Year” competition in 1993. His impact on the communities he served was further cemented by his inclusion in Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “100 Most Influential Atlantans.” A proud alumnus, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Chicago (1993) and the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Distinguished Service Award (2004).
Faith, Family, and Community
While his professional contributions were vast, Erroll’s heart was rooted in his family and his desire to uplift others.
He was the devoted husband of Elaine E. Davis and a loving father to Christopher and Whitney Davis. He shared a special and cherished bond with his granddaughter, Alexus Davis, and his great-granddaughter, Arielle Davis. Believing deeply in the power of education to change lives, Erroll and Elaine established the Davis Family Foundation in 1986. Through the foundation, they have provided thousands of grants to students in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic achievement. His name also lives on through the Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis Jr. Achievement Awards, which continue to support outstanding undergraduate students who are historically underrepresented in engineering or business.
A Legacy of Grace
Erroll was a man of quiet strength, wisdom, and integrity. He faced life’s final challenges, including his illness, with the same resilience that defined his career. He proved that true leadership is not found in titles, but in the character one maintains under pressure. Though he has taken his final breath, his legacy will live on through the institutions he strengthened and the family he adored. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. These contributions should be specifically designated for Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) research to help advance the understanding and treatment of this condition.
Online Donations: https://give.mayoclinic.org/
Additional details, including final arrangements and further ways to honor Erroll’s life and legacy, will be shared with family and friends as they are finalized.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Erroll B. Davis Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
2
May
100 Auburn Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
