Rev. France A. Davis was born and reared in Gough, Georgia. He came to Salt Lake City in 1972 as a teaching fellow and graduate student. He was appointed instructor in communication and ethnic studies courses, earning a distinguished teacher award. Pastor Davis retired July 1, 2014 from the University of Utah as an Adjunct Associate Professor Emeritus.
Since 1974, Rev. Davis has been the pastor of the historic Calvary Baptist Church of Salt Lake City. In April 2016, he reached 50 years in the ministry.
He lectures widely on cultural and religious topics. He received the Lifetime Achievement Heroes Recognition from American Red Cross on March 31, 2016 and the IGBC Presidential Heritage Award on August 12, 2017.