Billy Gene Davis, born Dec. 8, 1932, to Ruby Annabelle Phipps Davis and William Taff Davis at Center Point, Arkansas, passed away September 1, 2022.

He attended grades 1-8 at the Lower Center Point two-room schoolhouse and the Waldron public schools. After playing in the first football game he had ever seen, he was hooked. Excelling in the

classroom, football, and basketball, he received a scholarship to play football at Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University). While at ATU, Bill joined the ROTC program and graduated in 1956, as a commissioned officer. Serving six months of active duty and fulfilling his obligations, he joined the Army National Guard. During that time, his unit was mobilized for eleven months active duty and he finished his career with the rank of Captain.

Having a successful teaching and coaching career in the Booneville, Waldron, and Russellville school systems, he retired after 41 years in 1995. He loved having the opportunity to teach and coach young

people and hopefully made an impact in their lives.

Bill loved his family! He was a lifelong Bulldog, Cyclone, and Wonder Boy. He loved fishing, wood carving, and sharing his craft with everyone.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann Humphrey Davis; daughters, Toby Davis Ridenhour and Traci Davis Rood (Eddie); son Kelly Davis (Reta); grandchildren, Mikel Lynn Driggers, Richard Lamb, Heather Rood Ramsey (Jason), Preston Rood (Kaci), Will Davis (April), Anna Grace Davis Cullum (Chris), Sam Storey, Lora Lea Davis, and Bobby O'Donnell (Summer); a brother, Jerry Lee Davis (Kari); along with 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Pallbearers are Phil Cat White, Marshall Rye, Paul Rye, Bobby James, Wilson Moore, Don Harvell and Houston Townsend. Honorary pallbearers are his Bulldog and Cyclone players.

A graveside funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at McFadden Cemetery at Dover, with The Rev. Cindy Franklin officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you consider making a gift to the Kelly Davis Endowed Alumni Scholarship, Arkansas Tech Foundation, 1509 North Boulder, Russellville, AR  72801.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.