Ronald T. "Ronnie" Davis

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our Beloved Daddy and Coach Ronald "Ronnie" Terry Davis, a resident of Benton, departing this world on December 20, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on May 9, 1946, in Cleveland, TN, to the late R.L.
Davis and Lucille Wilson Davis.

A 1964 graduate of Polk County High School, he furthered his education at Middle Tennessee State University, earning his master's degree. Upon graduation, Coach Davis took his first head coaching position at Copper Basin High School. He led the Lady Cougars until 1976 and was transferred below the mountain to Polk County High School, where he began a historic career, including over 900 wins, and the 1981 State Championship. After leading the Wildkittens for more than 34 years, he accepted the same role at Sequatchie County High School where he coached for 8 years and lastly returned to Copper Basin to finish his coaching career with more than 1000 victories. He had over 48 years as teacher and coach.

Coach attended Smyrna Baptist Church for 30+ years, where he raised his children. He was blessed to coach all four of his own children, was a class act, mentoring his student athletes, both on and off the court. He had a commitment and diligence to coaching that was incomparable. Coach was a pillar of strength for his family, and he was a cherished daddy, Papaw and friend to many. In his later years, he was grateful and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and family who brought joy and happiness to his life. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, R.L. and Lucille Davis, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Allen Davis; grandson, Laken Davis.

Left to cherish the many memories include his two sons, Tyler and Tanner Davis and two daughters, Haley (Tylan) Thomas, and Hanna Davis; seven grandchildren, Ryder Davis, Bradley Davis, Liam Davis, Landon Davis, Brock Thomas, Braylex Thomas, and Brinley Thomas; 3 siblings Lynn (Lala) Davis, Larry (Rebecca) Davis, Steven (Patsy) Davis; nieces and nephews, Brian (Amanda) Davis, Derrick (Wendy) Davis, Krista (Dusty) Milen, Shannon Davis, and Julie (Kevin) McGraw; and several great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and a community of friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, on Ronnie Davis Court in the gymnasium of Polk County High School, with Pastor Jimmy Parm, Pastor David Evans, Coach John Dixon, Coach Frank Lowery, and Bill Moats officiating.

Coach will be laid to rest with his parents at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Linsdale, with Tyler and Tanner Davis, Tylan Thomas, Derrick Davis, Dusty Milen, Caleb Milen, Kevin McGraw, and Trevor Cheatham, serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be all past and present Wildkittens.

His family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at Polk County High School.

Expressions of sympathy and stories may be shared with the family at
www.higginsfunerals.com.

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.