[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 109 (Thursday, July 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF CALVIN FREDERICK ``FRED'' DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2016

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life of Calvin Fredrick ``Fred'' Davis of Tupelo, Mississippi. Mr. 
Davis was a committed husband and family man, a remarkable athlete and 
coach, and a pillar of the Tupelo community. For 52 years, he was 
married to Councilwoman Nettie Davis, and together they worked 
tirelessly to improve their beloved hometown of Tupelo.
  When reflecting on Mr. Davis's life, his love of family, sports, and 
community immediately come to mind. In high school and college, he was 
a sports hero excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. 
He received an athletic scholarship to attend Alcorn State University 
and later became the university's first African-American physical 
education teacher. As Mr. Davis continued his legacy in education and 
athletics, he became the first African-American coach in the Tupelo 
Public School District. He is affectionately referred to as ``Coach 
Davis'' among his former athletes, friends, and colleagues.
  While Mr. Davis is remembered for his athletic legacy, community 
service, and leadership within the civil rights movement, he is equally 
known for the loving partnership he had with his wife, Mrs. Nettie 
Davis. A trailblazer herself, Mrs. Davis was the first African-American 
woman elected to serve on the Tupelo City Council. Together, the couple 
fought for a better, more unified city. As a resident of the Tupelo 
area, my family has directly benefited from their hard work and drive 
to improve our community. I am honored to have known Mr. Davis and call 
him a friend. As we remember his remarkable life, I want to extend my 
deepest condolences to Mr. Davis's family and friends.

                          ____________________