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BORN
1943
DIED
2025
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Wilbert Davis Obituary
February 18, 1943 - January 10, 2025
Wilbert Douglas Davis passed on January 10, 2025, in Alton, IL. He was born on February 18, 1943, in Alton, Illinois. He was the son of Wilbert and Ethel (Winston) Davis. Wil was the second of five children. Wil met his wife, Gloria-Jeanne McCarroll, at Indiana University. They married in 1966 and were blessed with two sons, Wilbert II and Rixie. After 43 years of marriage, she transitioned to her heavenly home. After graduating Alton High School(1962), Wilbert accepted a track and field scholarship to Indiana University. After two years, he was drafted into the U. S. Army. Wilbert earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1972, Wilbert accepted a coaching opportunity with Illinois State University in Track and Field. In 1990, he transferred to the ISU Admissions Office until he retired in 2005. Wilbert faithfully served God and humanity. He was involved in Bloomington with The Five Bells, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Boy Scouts, The Kiwanis Club of Bloomington (President and Lieutenant Governor of District 22), and Male Chorus at Mount Moriah Christian Church.
Wil returned home in 2017 and reunited with Greater St. James Baptist Church in Alton. Will also served the Florissant Valley Kiwanis Club as President. His joys of life were his sons, grandchildren Rixie Jr. and Ryanne, golf, fishing, RV camping, and photography. Wilbert had a great smile and a love for golfing. He will be missed and not forgotten by those who knew him. Services for Wilbert will be at 11 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church in Alton, IL, on January 21, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilbert Davis
Sponsored by Harrison Funeral Chapel - Alton.
Marjorie Kay Douglas (Williams)
January 20, 2026
Mr. Davis has been gone a year, but he will never be forgotten. While attending ISU, Mr. Davis taught me to be a winner not a quitter. IHis life and legacy shall forever be a permanent part of my heart.
Marjorie Kay Douglas (Williams)
October 7, 2025
Mr. Davis was such an inspiration in my life at ISU. He taught me to persevere, and never give up in the face of adversity. Rest in Heaven Mr. Davis your life and legacy will forever be a part of my heart. Marjorie Kay Williams-Douglas BS 1979 Second BS 2009
Mark A. Cooper
February 4, 2025
Family Of Wilbert Davis,
My heart goes out to Wilbert II and Rixie and their families for the loss of your Dad. I had the pleasure and honor of being one of his students in a Billiards Class for a PE Credit at ISU in Nrl., IL., January-May 1977. It was just the class I needed at the right time! I had transferred from a 2 year college out of town and this class helped me transition to a 4 year college. I had a really rough time making the adjustment my first two semesters as an ISU student. Had several tough classes. But your Dad's class was no pressure and I learned alot about the game of Billiards! He was always a pleasure to meet. Wilbert received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award several years ago. He was very deservant of this honor! You can be very proud of Dad! I had the opportunity to meet your Dad in passing for one last time in Fall 2024. If only I could have known, I would have said more to him that day in Blm.-Nrl.,IL. However, I could tell he was kind of in a hurry that day. Mark A. Cooper, AV Tech, U-High 1984-1996. B.S., Speech Communication, ISU Class May 1980
Vincent Jones, Sr.
February 4, 2025
I will always remember Wilbert Davis as "Coach D". He was my track coach at ISU but so much more than that. He taught me structure,discipline, and how to work harder than I thought I could.More than that, he set an example for me. He showed me how to conduct myself as a professional black man and how to deal with adversity. The Davis family had a large impact on my life. Together Coach D molded me into becoming the first All-American in ISU track history and the second All-American was my best friend and his little brother Vince Davis. After college I worked across the hall from his wife and my friend Gloria Davis. They were my first baby sitters for my son Justin. The things I learned from them propelled me to and through law school. Coach D changed my life for the better and I will cherish his memory forever. A fine man, a great gentleman, and a dear friend. Thank you, coach D for all you were to me, take your well deserved heavenly rest.
Vince "VJ" Jones
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Lisa Hayward
January 21, 2025
I met your dad in 1979. He was volunteering at Special Olympics on the track. He was one of the kindest, most genuine men I have ever met. The athletes loved him and he treated each with dignity and respect. My condolences on his passing.
Tracy Baker
January 21, 2025
RIP Wilbur
Mark and Jane Schweizer Fairchild
January 20, 2025
I am merely a stranger who reads Obituaries. As I read about Will (Wilbert) Davis I thought 'wow' such a precious man on this earth. My life would have been so rich and blessed if our lives had connected. Thank you 'Will' for being born on this earth. Being married to Gloria-Jeanne McCarroll, who you are with TODAY, and having your two sons Wilbert II and Rixie. Our world was blessed having you on this earth. Thank you. Now today in the hands of JESUS OUR LORD for ETERNITY. (Picture of my husband Mark, and me (Jane) when we were young, not current, Fairchild (Fairchild Hall at ISU was Mark's Uncle Raymond in life).
Jeanne Arbuckle
January 19, 2025
I worked at the Physical Plant in the 80s and anytime he would come into the office, he would make everyone's day brighter. Later, I would see him other places on campus, and he was always smiling and never forgot where he knew me from. Such a wonderful person. He will be missed by many.
Julie Annette Jones
January 19, 2025
A truly amazing human being. Always a smile and an encouraging word. He will be greatly missed by many. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Jeffrey Mattes
January 19, 2025
I knew Coach Davis back in the early 80´s at Illinois State. I was a student manager on the track team and Coach was my mentor.What a great man I have many fond memories of working with him and he always kept a smile on my face. God bless you Coach.
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