HAROLD “BURR” DAVIS
January 4, 1937 - April 28, 2020
Burr Davis, born January 4, 1937, in Jacksonville, Texas, left his earthly life March 28, 2020, to begin his everlasting life in heaven. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Lewis Davis, son, Joey Davis (wife Ryn), and brother, Oddist Earl “Sneak” Davis of Houston.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ora Belle Davis, father, William Davis; brothers Marvin, Hershall, W.J.; and sister, Katheryn Ashley.
He was cremated in 2020, as was his wish. That fact has allowed us to wait out the pandemic and has given his wife of 60 years a chance to recover physically.
Burr, a 1955 graduate of Jacksonville High School, was recently inducted into the J.H.S. Football Hall of Fame. He attended the University of Houston, where he was an All-American football player for the Cougars. As an outstanding player and key starter in the East West Shrine Game, Burr was inducted into the University of Houston’s Football Hall of Fame. After graduation, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he instead signed with the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning the Grey Cup Championship.
Burr’s love and devotion to Jesus Christ was evident throughout his life. When his father-in-law, J.C. Lewis of Jacksonville, passed away at age 42 in 1960, Burr unselfishly gave up his football career to move back home to Jacksonville to help his family in many ways and assumed the role as head of Lewis Awning and Upholstery.
Eventually, God opened doors for Burr to return to the game he loved, and he coached football at St. Thomas High School in Houston, leading the Eagles to multiple Championships. After leaving his beloved St. Thomas High School, he coached at Klein High School in Spring, Texas, for several years before retiring from coaching and opening up a successful business.
Burr remained close with his players throughout his life. In the recent years preceding his demise, while memory care with Alzheimers, many of his former players remained kind and dedicated to “Coach” with their loving support and visits. They shared the story of how Burr would always say, “Let’s gather under the trees” and of how when they gathered, he taught them
much more than “blockin’ and tacklin’.” “In the words of one former player and friend: “Coach Davis not only taught us how to live, but also how to die.”
Burr believed in smiling, sharing joy, sharing love, sharing Christ and remaining positive no matter what. If ever asked how he was doing, despite any circumstance and even recently while sick, he would always answer, “great” and to his family he will always remain the same, great!
His memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 31st at St. Thomas High School - 4500 Memorial Drive. The service will start at 6pm.
Quite a few of his former players are set to share their stories of the impact that Burr had on them and their future lives.
Refreshments and light snacks will be provided by St. Thomas.
If you would like to donate to St. Thomas High School in Burr’s memory, it would be very much appreciated.