Kermit Davis Sr., a towering figure in Mississippi basketball, died at the age of 91, leaving a legacy that stretches far beyond the hardwood.
Roots in the Delta
Born in Walnut, Mississippi, Davis grew up amid the cotton fields and small‑town rhythms that would later shape his coaching philosophy.
In the mid‑1960s he led Tupelo’s boys to back‑to‑back state championships, a feat that put the town on the basketball map.
Breaking Barriers at Mississippi State
Hired as head coach in 1970, Davis steered Mississippi State for seven seasons, famously fielding the first black players on the roster and starting five African‑American athletes, a bold move in a deeply segregated era.
His teams captured the imagination of the state, culminating in a 24‑1 record in 1959 when his squad won the SEC title and finished third nationally.
Off the court, Davis served as associate director of the Bulldog Club, helped raise funds for athletics, and later spent years in the furniture business, always returning to the community that raised him.
A Father’s Echo
His son, Kermit Davis Jr., followed a similar path, becoming the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee State history before taking the helm at Ole Miss, where the elder Davis could often be seen watching practices from the bench.
The elder Davis’s positive, story‑driven approach left an indelible imprint on his son’s philosophy, blending encouragement with a deep pride for North Mississippi.
Colleagues and players remember him for his humility, his country‑born work ethic, and the way he turned every practice into a lesson in character as much as in sport.