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Milt Davis Obituary
Davis spent four seasons with the Colts (1957-60) and led the NFL in interceptions in 1957 and 1959. He played a key role on the 1958 team that beat the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime for the title. In the championship game, Davis played with two broken bones in his right foot and forced a first-half fumble by Frank Gifford.
That year, Davis earned $7,000 as the Colts' right cornerback. After two more seasons, he was done with football. He was angered at racism against black players and eager to finish work on his doctorate at UCLA, where he played in college.
Davis was born on an Indian reservation near Muskogee, Okla., to parents of African-American and Native American ancestry.
"Aside from being a great football player, he was a man that knew about life issues and knew how to deal with it," Colts great Lenny Moore told the Los Angeles Times. "He was a beacon. ... He was incredibly respected, both with the white players and the black players."
In 1954, Davis was drafted by the Detroit Lions — and the Army. After two years of military service, Davis joined the Lions but said he was told, "We don't have a black teammate for you to go on road trips, therefore you can't stay on our team."
Davis got a tryout with the Colts in 1957 and signed as a 28-year-old free agent. He had 10 interceptions as a rookie, returned two for touchdowns and made The Associated Press' All-Pro team.
Davis had seven interceptions during the 1959 season, and the Colts beat the Giants again in the NFL title game. When he retired he had 27 interceptions in 45 games.
"Milt Davis occupies a prominent place in Colts history," Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay said. "He was a very sturdy defensive back who started the 1958 and 1959 NFL championship games for the club. He is remembered among the many notable names in Colts history."
After his playing days, Davis scouted college players for NFL teams. He taught high school in the Los Angeles area before working as a natural history professor at Los Angeles City College from 1964-89. In 1989, he and his wife, Yvonne, retired and moved to Oregon.
In addition to his wife, Davis is survived by daughters Allison and Hilary and son Brian.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
61 Entries
Kathy (Headrick) Johnson
October 23, 2024
A teacher who actually taught. I´ve thought of him often while raising my children.
Jill Sturtevant
September 5, 2024
I just decided to look up my high school biology teacher, Milt Davis, and found this page. I am now 71, but in 1967 or so I was a student at John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, and he was just the most memorable and wonderful teacher I had in high school. His class was over-subscribed, and a number of students had to be moved to another class, and my name was called. I was a very shy kid, but I went to my guidance counselor and said I didn't want to leave his class. I had never asserted myself in that way, and surprised myself and, amazingly, they let me back in! I loved his class, his persona, and everything about him. He was kind, hilarious, full of a love of teaching. At the end of the year he said he was moving on to Los Angeles City College and everyone at Marshall was sad he was leaving. I was not a good science student, but I loved his class. I think the "B" he gave me was a mercy grade. God bless him and I know he is in the pantheon now, enjoying life everlasting.
Melvin Henry Stazoff
September 28, 2023
Milt was my counselor at Camp Max Strauss in the Verdugo Hills when I was around nine years old. At that time, Milt was a student at Jefferson High School in southwest Los Angeles. I followed his life up to time at UCLA. At that time, I was a student at Woodrow Wilson High School, Los Angeles. I wanted to follow his footprints, but unfortunately, that would not be. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on 01 December 1954. After, I was released from active duty, I contacted Milt. We were planning to get-together and meet his new wife, Yvonne. Sadly, that never happened. I loved that gentleman, miss him immensely.
Mentor - Trailblazer
Michael Moffitt
November 15, 2021
After being academically dismissed from college at the end of my freshman year, I enrolled at Los Angeles City College. It was there that I first met my biology professor, Dr. Davis. From that point on, the trajectory of my life would change forever. He did not judge me and never let me feel sorry for myself. He was such a positive force that God knew that I needed at that particular time in my life. Dr. Davis, assumed my intelligence and not my ignorance. Where I saw failure he saw potential. When my self-confidence was no where to be found, he saw leadership. And when I would fall short, he was always there with an encouraging word to get me back on solid ground. Dr. Davis was by far, one of the most influential men in my life. As I now enter my 27th year in Higher Education, I have attempted to lead young men and women the way that Dr. Milt Davis so graciously led me I will be forever grateful that God saw fit to place Dr. Milt Davis in my life.
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Jill Wintz
December 2, 2020
What a loving man to familyless children of Vista del Mar. As a lifeguard at pool, holding kids way up high in his big tall arms , then dropping them into the pool to their delight....over and over. A giant-sized heart full of warmth and compassion to three sisters and their little brother , ages eight to twelve. 76 now and still a treasured memory of an unforgettably wonderful man.
Jill Wintz
December 2, 2020
Will never ever forget this loving man when l was a nine yr old resident of Vista del Mar along with my brother and two sisters. Milt ran the plunge and would play with us kids swimming in the pool. He would pick us up high and drop us in the pool, over and over. How we loved it and how we loved big tall wonderful Milt.
I am 76 years old now and the memory is still treasured. God bless you Milt Davis wherever you are , and it could only be in Heaven
Judi Levin-Brandon
November 22, 2020
My belated condolences to the Davis Family. I learned way too late about Milt's demise. I was one of the very fortunate children who had the pleasure of having Milt as our Counselor at Vista del Mar, one of the youngest children to live there. My older brother Bob was also there. He was working his way through UCLA, and played Bruin football, which included playing in the Rose Bowl games. I don't think any of us could forget how Milt was like a big brother and/or father to us. He was a wonderful, gentle soul who gave a lot of comfort, along with good advice, to children living without their parents. He was our go-to when we needed someone to care. He had touched so many young peoples lives when it mattered. An unsung hero in my book. I have, and never will, forget this man. I know God is watching over him as Milt is watching over us in our hearts. Aloha Milt
Shelly Andrens
August 25, 2020
In my life I met many individuals that I remember fondly. Most of them through my athletic passion. One such hero of mine is Milt Davis. He helped me find myself when I was at a low point in my life. His words, that day, I've never forgotten. "This is your era of accomplishment in athletics. If you really love the game of baseball you won't let a disappointment destroy your dreams". My life long "brother" Jim Swain saw my hurt and told me of his friend Milt Davis. "You should talk to Milt before you do anything you might regret later".
Jimmy loved Milt. And I grew to love and respect him. He changed the lives of so many of his students and friends. I miss him, deeply, these many years! Fight On!
Michael Moffitt
September 25, 2018
Dr. Milt Davis, forever changed the trajectory of my life forever. I came to Los Angeles City College after being academically dismissed from San Diego State University the year before. I was at one of the lowest points in my life. Dr. Davis was my Biology professor. When I first met him there was something about him that made me feel better about myself. In short, he assumed my intelligence and not my ignorance. His mentorship and support enabled me to believe in myself again and strive to be the best version of me. This was a man that God specifically put in my path to speak truth and life to me. As a quarterback on the football team there, I received the last football scholarship at LACC before they discontinue the program. I went on to obtain an AA, BA, MA & a doctorate degree and even was able play a year in the NFL all because Dr. Milt Davis took the time to live his life out in front of me and provide me with a vision and a blueprint of what my life could be. Thank you for being one of my greatest role models while you were here on earth. I will for ever be indebted to you for the impact that you had and continue to have on my life.
Todd Anderson
April 7, 2017
I met Milt in 1990, in Missoula, MT. I was working at the Holiday Inn one morning, when Mr. Davis was checking out, as a scout for the Browns. I asked him how does a person get an NFL tryout. He proceeded to explain it in detail. About a year later, my brother and his agent (me) were flying to LA for his tryout with the Raiders. I never thanked Milt for treating this total nobody like somebody special, for taking the time to make possible this great memory in our lives. We will never forget it, and I will never forget how this kind man touched my life. It wasn't just a chance encounter with a football guy. It was an encounter with a great, kind man, that I will never forget.
March 6, 2017
As a Baltimore Colt fan I remember Milt Davis as one of the greatest defensive backs of all time. You always had the feeling that if Milt was back there no qb would dare try and pass against him. He was quiet but speedy, tough and could always anticipate where the ball was going, much like Ed Reed of the Ravens. And, unlike many of the current crop of d backs, he could catch the ball. What a player and what a man. Thanks Milt. Robert Ward, Los Angeles.
Jan
December 13, 2015
Milt was adored by all of us kids! He was our lifeguard 60 years ago. He would make us giggle! We would make him stand in the deep end of the pool. He was so tall that his head would touch the surface of the water, and we would get such a kick out of that! What a sweet, beautiful, wonderful person he was to us. I am saddened to learn of his death. (Without the internet it would have been difficult to find him.)
I am CERTAIN he would have remembered my two sisters, my dear brother (in heaven over 35 years, who swam like a little fish), and me. He was beloved by us...I wish I had been able to locate him before he became ill.
Rest well, Sweet Milt.
Larry Stein
May 5, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Milt Davis'passing. I first met him in 1966 when I was Boy's League president at John Marshall High school in Los Angeles. What better a mentor could anyone have hoped for. A quiet, kind giving man who was as modest as one could be, given his accomplishments in life. I was soon headed to USC after graduation while receiving a partial scholarship for baseball. Milt was the perfect person to have associated with at that time. He not only was a great sponsor for me but a "TRUE" friend as well. i can so vividly recall conversations between he and myself that I took forward into my years as an athlete and student. I later received both my undergraduate & graduate education after Marshall thanks in part because of my friendship with such a great man. Rest in peace Milt, I hope to cross your path sometime after my life is over. God please watch over this GREAT human being.With great fondness, Larry.
Richard Cowan
January 24, 2013
To the members of Milt Davis family,
In 1952 I went to camp Max Strauss. It was the first time I as ever away from. I was quite frightened as I was one of the youngest at the camp and probably the shortest. Fortunately for me, one of the counselors with a handsome, muscular and wonderful man named Milt Davis. Milt took me under his wing and really built my confidence. He was the first of many African-American that influenced me in molding my life. When I learned that Milt attended UCLA and played football there, I decided then and there at age 8, that I would go to UCLA. My dream came true in 1962. I use to collect baseball and football cards and treasured my Milt Davis Baltimore Colts card. When I found out that Milt had passed away, I was deply saddened. When I read about what a highly principled man he was and how honorably he lived his life, I was proud that I got to know. Milt reminded me of another principled, scholarly and tremendous athlete that I had the honor of meeting at UCLA, Arthur Ashe,who passed too early in life but left such an important legacy as honorable man and a fighter for civil rights. As you my have determined I am a white American, but I have been positively influenced by so any African-Americans included Pastor Frederick K C Price who led me to the Lord. I am so happy that this web site is still open so you can still see how many people loved Milt and how he was such a positive influence on so mny lives. God Bless You all.
Sheldon Andrens
April 25, 2012
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Milt Davis. In my life I met few men that I truly believed in...he was one. His words of encouragement, kindness and friendship are my standards in dealing with my life today. I will be forever gratefull to my life long brother James Swain for introducing me to this great man. He changed the lives of thousands of students by guiding them through the tough growing years. He is eched in my memory and my heart forever. I still hear you Milt. Rest in peace, till we meet again.
Yvonne, Milt, Jan, Mike Swain
Michael Swain
April 21, 2012
Michael Swain
April 21, 2012
Milt, a man who never used a blue word in all the years that I knew him ('52-'10). A pillar of strength that you could count on to give you the truth on so many subjects. You will be missed and always remembered.
Rhonda Fernandez
February 20, 2012
I'm sad tonight, because this confirms that Mr. Davis is gone. I was a student at Marshall from 1965 to 1968. He was my favorite teacher. I was as shy as one could be, but he made me feel special. He had kind, sparkling eyes. I remember his stories about his adventures in the Army, and occasionally about pro football. He treated us all fairly. Upon entering LACC in the Fall of 1968, I was shocked when I walked Into a biology class and saw him standing there, smiling that big smile. Suddenly, I didn't feel all alone in this strange place.
For so many years, I tried to find out where he was. He was to attend our ten-year reunion in 1978, but didn't make it. We were so disappointed.
Looking at his pictures, I'm crying. He was an important part of my life, and a major influence in so many ways.
October 8, 2011
Milt was my councellor at Camp Max Straus boys camp in 1950. He was a good model for boys to emulate, Bobby Hartstein
Dick Mansperger
May 10, 2011
Milt Was A Fine Man, I Enjoyed Seing Him
On The Road,Will Definitely Miss Milt & His Upbeat, Positive Life Outlook !
Michael Storm-Levia (aka Levia)
August 18, 2010
I knew Milt while he was a teacher and I was a student at John Marshall High School. I graduated about the time he earned his Masters degree. We both went on to Los Angeles City College. Again teacher and student.
He was the most loved teacher at John Marshall. Even though I never was in one of his classes at LACC, we kept in touch and I was pleased to have Milt and his wife as guests at my wedding in the mid '70s.
I have not seen him for years but will always remember Milt as a fair, intelligent and humorous man.
James Swain
May 2, 2010
I miss you my dearest brother, mentor, surrogate father.
Your presence will always be with me. I will see you on the other side my dearest friend. I continue to draw on your strength. Love, James Clifford
BJ Parker
March 11, 2010
I met Milt about six years ago while serving on the Leslie Moore Scholarship Committee. He always graciously attended the event and I have never met a more intelligent and memorizing person in all my life. All of us could would sit and listen to his every word. He was so happy that we were able to provide him transportation to see Jim Parker before he passed. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
January 29, 2010
The year may come and go,but the memories of our love ones will live on forever in our hearts.
May the God of all comfort continue to be with you,giving you the stength to continue on each day.
Barbara Ann King
January 27, 2010
To The Davis Family: I am so sorry he is no longer here with us, but do know that he is still here with us in spirit. I pray that you all will be comforted by these words:
Try to remember that a GOOD man never dies; You will see him many times.
You will feel him in all things that are here out of love, and for love.
The person of a man may leave or be taken away, but the best part of a GOOD man stays. It stays FOREVER!
MSgt Bill Wolfinger USAF ret.
January 13, 2010
When I was in in my early to late teens my dad had season tickets to the Colt games. My favorite player from '57 to'60 was Milt Davis. He played with such passion. He was the greatest. I played some defensive back in High School, but #20 was taken.
Milt Davis was a big part of my childhood and his passing brought great sorrow. So many from that 1958 Colt team are now gone, but their memory will will live in me until I die.
Lisa Powell
November 30, 2009
September 07, 2009
To the family of Milt Davis:
Over the years, since Vista Del Mar, I have had wonderful thoughts of Milt...he was so very easy to talk to...even if wasn't just football! I was always able to spot him on the field with his pigeon toes! I also was pigeon toed and we'd laugh about it! I agree with Sally Brayton when she says he was an inspiration to so many of us. May he rest in peace,as his memory lives on in so many of us that he touched...who needed him and he was there for us.
Sally Mason-Brayton
September 7, 2009
To the family of Milt Davis- I had the pleasure of knowing him in my years at Vista del Mar 1962-1965.
He was well respected and an inspiration to so many of us. May he rest in peace,as his memory lives on in so many of the "kids" who needed him and he was there for us.
LEON ESFORMES
September 2, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Barry Wayne
August 17, 2009
When I met Coach Davis at Marshall High, he had volunteered to come out and help coach the track team. He had a full load teaching biology, was trying to build a home, working on an advanced degree . . . yet still found the time to do it without pay. He never missed a practice. At the end of the season the team got together and bought him a split timer stopwatch. Guys who barely had lunch money dug deep for that, because he meant so much to us. He was the difference in so many lives . . . there were so many kids whose lives he touched who are alive and not in jail due to him. For me, the seeds he planted allowed me to bounce back from countless errors and misdirections to get my life back on track. I have wished so many times I could get in touch and let him know how it all turned out; to have my wife and children meet the man I have spoken of throughout my life . . . I finally searched for him on the web, only to learn that he passed last year. Coach, you will be in my heart, wherever I go. For your family I say, rejoice! for few are they who got be be close to such a fine man.
Barry Wayne, Marshall High Class of '67
LEO HAYES
April 16, 2009
TO THE FAMILY OF MILT DAVIS,
I RECENTLY READ OF MILT'S DEATH IN MY JOHN MARSHALL HIGH ALUMNI NEWS LETTER. I WAS GREATLY SADDENED BY HIS LOSS. HE WAS
A GREAT TEACHER,COACH,AND INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. HE MOTIVATED ME IN MY
STUDY OF BIOLOGY AND ENCOURAGED MY SPORTS ENDEAVORS. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT, ALWAYS FONDLY REMEMBERED. MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENSCES.
Jack Wilner
January 26, 2009
I met Milt Davis when I was placed at Vista Del Mar in June of 1960...Milt inspired me to respect myself first, and that "all good things will follow." He acknowledged that I had something to offer, (even at a young age). I will never forget what he taught me. Because of Milt, I accomplished what Milt said I could. I have always preached "respect for respect," but above all, I have attempted to teach others that before you get respect from anyone else, you must respect yourself first. God be with you Milt.
Shawn Gilhooley nee Seaman
January 5, 2009
To the Davis Family
Condolences to the family of a great man. Mr Davis was my science teacher at Marshall in 1964. I have never forgotten him or the lessons and the kindess he showed me.
mike smith
January 1, 2009
1965, a kid in trouble, no love at home, lost,scared,no one loves,a kid in a boys home (Boys Republic) a VP at Marshall High. Got in trouble all the time. A man named Mr. Davis came into my life. He never judged me, I got on the Football Team, I messed up, made me run 20 laps, He ran them with me smiling all the time. He was the father I never had.
He was a Man's Man. He was love.
Thanks Milt. I have never nor will I ever forget this mighty big man.
Jack Goldstein
December 27, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Milt was my Track Coach while I was at Vista from 1958 to 1960
He will surely be missed but never forgotten
Toby Bloom
December 19, 2008
Milt was my track coach while I was at Vista Del Mar 58-60. The encouragement he gave all of us kids was remarkable.
I knew that he played pro football for the Colts and to this day because of him I am a Colt fan. I have been thinking about Coach Davis for a number of weeks now and just found out about his passing.
I am very thankful to have had the honor to know Milt Davis.
michael shubert
November 5, 2008
Milt Davis was a counselor at Vista Del Mar when I was living there in 1960-1964. I remember him well and will never forget him. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Michael Shubert
John Sadd
October 14, 2008
To the Family of Mr. Davis
He had the greater influence on my life than anyone other than my parents. He taught me so many lessons that I still call upon decades later. I met him first as a teacher and he asked me to play football.
He was such a motivator and he taught each individual to get the most out of God's gifts, to be proud, to work hard, to expect nothing from others and everything from yourself. There a scores of Marshall grads like me that owe Mr. Davis so much for his life lessons. There is a special place in heaven for this wonderful man. I feel like I have lost someone very special. Although I had not seen him in years, I think of him often and call upon his lessons daily.
mike cartwright
October 8, 2008
To those that were close to Milt; he often said his farewells with, "Be noble my brother." Ironically, he was one of the noblest men I've had the pleasure to know and call my friend.
As a part-time roommate, fellow Dolphin Scout and in retirement years; I've learned so much from his presence.....a man of highest principles and integrity...he was class; a rare human in today's society. There are not enough accolades to acknowlege the profound effect he had on so many lives. I know you ran to heaven, the same as you always ran...never walked...on and off the football field.
Marshall Grad
October 7, 2008
What a wonderful human being. There will never be another like him. Best teacher I've ever had. Never heard an unpleasant word about him.
October 6, 2008
"Thank You' Mr. Davis. May you Rest In Peace. Godspeed to the family and friends of this great man.
Once a kid from Baltimore
October 6, 2008
Heaven inherited another great man. He succeeded throughout all adversity and now he has his heavenly reward.
Patricia
October 4, 2008
Rest in peace , may god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Madeline Torres
October 3, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Phyllis Collins
October 3, 2008
A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Tom Stone-Erdman
October 3, 2008
I will always be a Baltimore Colts fan. Thanks for the great years and great memories. Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
October 2, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jim Freitag
October 2, 2008
We should all hope to live life as fully as you did. Your family can be proud and your memory will live on.
Janie Rothwell "Duncan"
October 2, 2008
Mr. Davis was my science teacher at Washington High. He was the best teacher because he truly cared about every student and we all knew it. At the end of each class we learned football plays. He was an inspiration to me and all who met him.
SHEILA ECHOLS
October 2, 2008
MITT
YOU MAY NOW REST FOR GOD HAS DRAFTED YOU FOR TEAM HEAVEN.
Jerrol Moore
October 2, 2008
To The Family:
As long as he lives in your head & heart his memories will live on.
His legacy will live on for many generations to come.
Keep your eyes on God, and we are certain He will get you through this. We know this to be true.
1 Corinthians 12
The Moore Family
Connecticut
Thomas Widgeon
October 2, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!
louis carwell
October 2, 2008
a great man, a great football player. they should make a movie of his life story, it would be a masterpeice. rest in peace mitt davis and god bless.
PAUL BASINGER
October 2, 2008
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE AGONY ONE MUST ENDURE WHEN FACING THE RACIAL ISSUES IN THE 50'S. MANY OTHERS, INCLUDING THE GREAT TENNIS LEGEND ALTHEA GIBSON, ALSO WENT THRU THE SAME DOORS. IN MY HEART AND MIND I APOLOGIZED TO ALTHEA SO MANY TIMES, AND I'M DOING THE SAME FOR YOU. I FIRMLY BELIEVE MILLIONS OF WHITES NOW REGRET ALL THIS. MAY GOD BLESS.
D. ZIMMERMAN.
October 1, 2008
REST IN PEACE MITT DAVID
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