The Lubbock Centennial 1909-2009 - presented by The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Cotton leader, legislator held in high esteem

56
Roy B. Davis
1900-1975

“Mr. Cotton” he was known as around the South Plains.

Davis was born in McGregor but graduated from Lubbock High School. After graduating from Texas A&M he moved directly into agricultural service as a county agent in Terry and Gaines counties.

Davis’ most visible contribution to the cotton industry on the South Plains was Plains Cooperative Oil Mill where he was hired in 1943. By the time of his retirement as its general manager in 1971 it was the largest cottonseed processing plant in the world.

However his influence was felt in the cotton belt from California to the Carolinas. Davis’ impact was seen in national farm credit legislation, on advisory boards to secretaries of agriculture and in the farm credit system in Texas.

He served as chairman of the board of the National Cotton Council, which represents all segments of the industry from mills and ginners to growers.
After retirement he was named a consultant to Texas Tech’s Textile Research Center and worked actively in plans for the development of textile mills on the South Plains.

55
Robert Duncan
1953-present

West Texas and Lubbock in particular have a legacy of respected representation in the Texas legislature.

Robert Duncan has held that role, both as a state representative and as a senator.

Duncan, a native of Vernon and a Texas Tech School of Law graduate, has earned the respect of his peers in Austin and his constituents with his gift for team-building and his ability to tackle complex problems in a non-confrontational style.

The Republican has frequently been listed by Texas Monthly as one of the state’s “Top Ten Legislators” and in a 2004 Avalanche-Journal survey he was named the most influential person in Lubbock.

He has been active on agriculture issues, state finances and health-related concerns. He was at the forefront of the last redistricting effort which saw him standing toe-to-toe with House Speaker Tom Craddick as he fought to maintain West Texas district configurations.

Duncan is a partner in the law firm of Crenshaw, Dupree and Milam.

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