Thomas James Davis, Sr.

Thomas James Davis, Sr.

December 28, 1946 - August 27, 2022

   Tommy Davis, born in Mobile. AL and a resident of Semmes, AL since 1973, passed away on August 27, 2022 at the age of 75. After graduating from Mary G. Montgomery High School in 1966, he attended The University of Southern Mississippi on a football scholarship where he also played baseball and and met his wife, Toni L, Davis. He graduated with a BS degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and a Masters in Recreation. While working on his master's degree he accepted a Graduate Assistant Coaching position  for the USM freshman team. He started his teaching and coaching career at Murphy High School in Mobile, AL. in 1971-1976 as an Assistant Football Coach. From 1976-1982 he was the Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Mobile County High School in Grand Bay, AL. From 1982-1989 he was the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Mary G. Montgomery in Semmes, AL, his Alma Mater. From 1989-1993 he was an Assistant Football Coach at Shaw High School, then became the Head Football Coach from 1993-1998. He also served as an Assistant Principal at Davidson High School. After retiring from the Mobile County Public School System in 1998 he continued to coach as an assistant at UMS from 1998 until 2004. His last 2 years (2004-06) were served at St. Paul's coaching the 7th and 8th grade football team. His love of football and the students carried him through his 35 years of coaching and teaching. He was a 3-A Coach of the year (1978, 1979, and 1980), 6A Region 2 Coach of The Year (1985), Crichton Optimist Coach of the Year (1985), 6A Coach of the Year and Crichton Optimist Coach of the Year (1994). His teams made it to the State play-offs for many years.

   Tommy enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Each spring he grew enough vegetables to share with their neighbors, friends and their church pantry, which distributed them to those in need. Tommy and Toni's children and grandchildren were their heart.  He was preceded in death by his parents, E.L. Davis and Latricia Davis of Eight Mile, AL.

   He is survived by his wife of 53 years Toni L. Davis, two sons; Thomas "Tommy" J. Davis, Jr. (Valerie) of Grove Hill, AL and Jeffery P. Davis, (Amber) of Auburn, AL and four grandchildren; Logan “Paul” Davis, Emma Claire Davis, Thomas “Jay” James Davis, III and Grace Elizabeth Davis. He is also survived by his sister, Vickie Sue Cooper of Eight Mile, AL and his brother, Reggie W. Davis (Sharadee G. Davis) of Semmes, AL. and four nieces and four nephews.

   Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church with funeral service following. Interment will follow in Valhalla Memorial Gardens.