# Terry A. Davis

> American computer programmer (1969-2018)

**Wikidata**: [Q22708720](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22708720)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._Davis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/terry-a-davis

## Summary
Terry A. Davis was an American computer programmer and computer scientist known for creating the operating system TempleOS and its associated programming language, HolyC. Born in 1969, he developed these notable works as a singular effort before his death in 2018.

## Biography
- Born: December 15, 1969, West Allis
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Master's degree from Arizona State University (completed by 1994)
- Known for: TempleOS, HolyC
- Employer(s): Ticketmaster (1990-1996)
- Field(s): computer science, programming

## Contributions
Terry A. Davis is primarily recognized for his creation of TempleOS, an operating system that he developed. TempleOS had its inception on September 9, 2013. Complementing this, he also developed HolyC, which is the programming language in which the TempleOS operating system was developed. These two creations represent his most significant and concrete outcomes as a programmer and computer scientist. His work on TempleOS and HolyC was a comprehensive, singular effort, resulting in a complete operating system and its underlying language from a single developer. Beyond these core technical contributions, Davis was also involved in various other roles, including television producer, vlogger, Internet celebrity, activist, and conspiracy theorist, showcasing a broad range of activities throughout his life.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Terry A. Davis best known for?
A: Terry A. Davis is best known for creating TempleOS, an operating system, and HolyC, the programming language he developed to build TempleOS. TempleOS was first conceived on September 9, 2013.

### Q: Where did Terry A. Davis receive his education?
A: Terry A. Davis earned a master's degree from Arizona State University by 1994. He was affiliated with the university during his studies.

### Q: When did Terry A. Davis die and what was the cause?
A: Terry A. Davis died on August 11, 2018, in The Dalles, due to a railway accident. His death was classified as an accidental death.

### Q: What were Terry A. Davis's occupations?
A: Terry A. Davis held various occupations, including programmer, computer scientist, television producer, vlogger, Internet celebrity, activist, and conspiracy theorist. He notably worked at Ticketmaster from 1990 to 1996.

## Why They Matter
Terry A. Davis's significance in the field of computer science and programming stems from his unique and highly individualistic creation of TempleOS and its dedicated programming language, HolyC. As a computer programmer and computer scientist, he undertook the ambitious project of developing a complete operating system from the ground up, a feat rarely accomplished by a single individual. This work, with TempleOS's inception on September 9, 2013, stands as a testament to extreme dedication and personal vision in software development. His creations, while unconventional, have garnered considerable attention and discussion within the programming community, influencing perspectives on operating system design, personal computing projects, and the capabilities of individual developers. His legacy is that of a programmer who built an entire software ecosystem, demonstrating a profound and singular impact on the landscape of independent software creation.

## Notable For
*   Creator of TempleOS, an operating system first conceived on September 9, 2013.
*   Developer of HolyC, the programming language used to build TempleOS.
*   Earned a master's degree from Arizona State University by 1994.
*   Worked as a programmer and computer scientist, notably at Ticketmaster.

## Body

### Personal Details
Terry A. Davis, also known by aliases such as Terrence Andrew Davis, Terry Davis, and Terrence Davis, was born on December 15, 1969, in West Allis. He was a citizen of the United States. He passed away on August 11, 2018, in The Dalles, due to a railway accident, with his death officially recorded as an accidental death. He was buried at Memory Gardens Memorial Park. Davis was diagnosed with schizophrenia and identified his religion or worldview as Catholicism.

### Education
Davis pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where he earned a master's degree by 1994.

### Career and Creations
Terry A. Davis was primarily a programmer and computer scientist. He worked as an employer at Ticketmaster from 1990 to 1996. His most notable works include the creation of TempleOS, an operating system that had its inception on September 9, 2013. For the development of TempleOS, he also created the programming language HolyC. Beyond his technical roles, Davis also engaged in other occupations, including television producer, vlogger, Internet celebrity, activist, and conspiracy theorist.

### Online Presence
Terry A. Davis maintained an online presence, including a Twitter account under the handle "losethos" (active from September 2, 2010), a Reddit username "TempleOS_Terry_Davis," and a YouTube channel with the ID UCJZTn-fPu-uIA55UI47_cXg, which had over 17,900 social media followers by August 24, 2025.

### Medical Condition
Terry A. Davis had a medical condition of schizophrenia.

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## References

1. [Source](https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/wnj43x/gods-lonely-programmer)
2. [Source](http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2018/sep/07/man-killed-train-had-tech-following/)
3. MusicBrainz
4. [Source](https://twitter.com/Cthulhu20234/status/1035682925956788224)
5. BBC Things
6. YouTube API
7. Know Your Meme