Kermit Davis Sr. Left a Lasting Impact on His Son and on His State

Kermit Davis Sr. left a lasting impact on his son and on his state

Kermit Davis Jr. was raised in basketball gyms all over the South. His was not a typical childhood, and it laid a strong foundation for his future as a player and a coach.

Kermit Davis, Sr., 91

Visit Funeral Home Website Kermit Davis, Sr., 91 August 2, 1935 — August 10, 2026 Tupelo – Kermit Davis Sr., 91, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026. He was born Friday, August 2, 1935, to his parents John Davis and Pauline Davis, in Walnut, Mississippi. From an early age, basketball became an important part of his life, eventually carrying him from his hometown to Mississippi State and into a coaching career that would leave a lasting mark on M…

Former MSU head coach, player Kermit Davis Sr. dies at 91

Kermit Davis Sr., former Mississippi State basketball player, head coach and administrator, died Monday at 91. Davis played four seasons at MSU, and was a part of three AP top-15 finishes. He helped MSU to a 24-1 record and an SEC Championship in 1958-59, his senior season with the Bulldogs. State finished No. 3 in the AP Rankings that season. Davis stepped into coaching after his successful playing career. He had stops at Leakesville High Schoo…

Mississippi State basketball icon Kermit Davis Sr. has died at 91

Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer Kermit Davis Sr., a Magnolia State basketball icon, was surrounded by family when he died Monday in Tupelo. He was 91. Davis, who played basketball at Mississippi State and later coached the Bulldogs, was the father of former Ole Miss coach Kermit Davis Jr.

Former Mississippi State basketball player, coach Kermit Davis Sr. passes at 91

Iconic former Mississippi State men’s basketball player and coach Kermit Davis Sr. has passed away at age 91. The Tupelo native died in his hometown on Monday, where he was surrounded by family. Davis spent his collegiate playing days at Mississippi State from 1956-59, and the Bulldogs amassed a whopping 79-16 record while he was there. His coaching career began quickly after his time in college, with Davis leading the boys’ and girls’ teams at …