March 29, 1943 – October 10, 2009
Arthur Lee Davis Jr. was born in St. Louis on March 29, 1943. He was the eldest of seven children born to Rosie Lee (Latson) and his father who preceded him in death, Arthur Lee Davis Sr. Arthur Lee Davis Jr. departed this life on October 10, 2009.
Arthur professed a belief to the Lord. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, deeply committed educator, and one of the most dynamic football coaches throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Arthur was a graduate of Vashon High School where his love for football developed and achieved team leadership status. He graduated from Alcorn State University where he achieved his bachelor of science in education. He also received a masters degree from Southeast Missouri State University.
Arthur started his teaching career in elementary education. He then transferred to M. L. King High School and Soldan International Studies where he became the head football coach. Arthur devoted more than 30 years of service in education until his retirement.
During this time he fulfilled many roles. He served as a teacher, mentor, administrator, athletic director and coach of many sports. He was also a devoted member of the American Federation of Teachers Local 420, supporting his colleagues in education for teacher’s rights.
He was very passionate about his students learning and lives, counseling them after school and on weekends, where he would become a father figure to many. That is why all the students called him “Coach Davis.”
On Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Soldan High Homecoming football game, Coach Davis was scheduled to appear and receive recognition for his many years’ of service.
His loving and devoted wife Linda Adelle Davis was his dear friend of 39 years. Linda was always by his side caring for him until his very last breath while battling Parkinson’s disease.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers Jerome, Alonzo Davis and special Aunt Jenny Davis. He leaves to celebrate his homegoing his wife Linda A. Davis; mother Rosie L. Davis; children Marcia Davis, Arthur Lee Davis III, Holly J. Davis, Jami V. Davis-Jackson (Alvarez), Arlinda L. Davis all of St. Louis; grandchildren Arthur Lee Davis IV, Alvarez K. Jackson II, and Brooke Jackson; sisters Barbara Downing, Joan Carter and Pamela VanBuren; brothers Kenneth Davis and Michael Davis; and a host of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and many special friends.
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