TITLE: In memory of Ellis Davis, Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ellis Davis, Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Dallas in mourning the loss of noted educator and coach Ellis Davis, Jr.; and WHEREAS, Ellis Davis, Jr., had a profound impact on the lives of countless young people over the course of his illustrious career, and his commitment to his players and students set an example that will serve as an inspiration to others for years to come; and WHEREAS, Mr. Davis was a 1949 graduate of Emmett J. Scott High School in Tyler, where he was a standout athlete; he served the nation with distinction in the United States Army before earning a bachelor's degree from Bishop College and a master's degree from North Texas State University; and WHEREAS, He enjoyed a productive and fulfilling 30-year career with the Dallas Independent School District, beginning as a physical education teacher and coach at the elementary and middle school levels; he went on to teach biology and coach basketball at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School for 23 years; and WHEREAS, During his tenure at the school, his teams achieved a remarkable record of 641 wins against only 128 losses; they were repeatedly ranked in the state's top 10, and his 1972 team was the first team from Dallas to win a University Interscholastic League state championship after school desegregation; and WHEREAS, Through the years, Mr. Davis earned numerous accolades for his work, including the On Your Shoulders We Stand award from the National Association of Black School Educators and the Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; he was named Coach of the Year by the Dallas press 12 times; and WHEREAS, He was a member of the inaugural class of inductees into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Texas Afro-American Coaches Hall of Honor; he was nominated to be National High School Basketball Coach of the Year, and the fieldhouse at the Jesse Owens Memorial Complex is named in his honor; and WHEREAS, Mr. Davis gave countless students the encouragement and support they needed to achieve their goals and aspirations, and he instilled in them a lifelong love of learning; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, integrity, and wisdom, he gave unselfishly to others, and he will be long remembered for his generous spirit and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Ellis Davis, Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ellis Davis, Jr. West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2013, by a rising vote.