Joseph Coughlan Davis

Nashville - Davis, Joseph Coughlan. March 29, 1962-December 17, 2020.

Joe Davis, known to all as a kind and gentle soul, died surrounded by family at his home on December 17, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer. Joe, a lifelong Nashvillian and the son of Dugan Coughlan Davis and Rascoe Bond Davis, grew up loving and playing many sports in a variety of little leagues. He attended Montgomery Bell Academy from the 7th through the 12th grades, where he contributed as a member of the football team and developed a specialty as a kicker. He was greatly influenced by legendary MBA football coach Tommy Owen, a mentor and inspiration to Joe. Joe graduated from MBA in 1980 and with Coach Owen's encouragement, went on to play football at Eastern Kentucky University.

Joe was a businessman and coach. After college, he returned to Nashville, where he cultured a variety of business interests, including three restaurants: the Gold Rush, South Street, and the Boundry. However, his greatest love remained football. Having experienced the impact a coach could have on a young man, Joe dedicated his life to coaching and supporting football and the young men that played it. He served as an assistant coach for many years at MBA, where he coached and influenced so many young men. Joe was always happiest when on the MBA sideline coaching with his fellow coaches or when he reconnected with the former players whose lives he had touched. Joe also coached kickers at Vanderbilt, TSU and at other Nashville high schools and colleges. Always willing to give his time and expertise to any young person he thought he could help, Joe constantly went the extra mile to support his players—even those who had long since moved on from football.

Upon learning of his death, one of his former players wrote, "The last time I saw him he was overjoyed to see former players at a home game and hugged us all while crying tears of joy. That emotion was infectious and demonstrated the special, long-lasting relationship that coaches and their players build together. I will always value that experience."

Joe was at heart a philanthropist. In 2000, he founded Backfield in Motion, an organization dedicated to using football to provide academic and athletic opportunities to at-risk children in Nashville. Joe founded Backfield in Motion so that Nashville's disadvantaged children could experience the same opportunities and support available to children in more affluent communities. Backfield in Motion now provides after-school programs and summer enrichment for over 300 young people annually.

Joe also supported a number of football programs including Vanderbilt, TSU, MTSU and Eastern Kentucky University while always promoting the soccer program at Harpeth Hall, where his mother taught and coached. A longtime supporter and advocate for his alma mater MBA, which he loved so dearly, Joe exhibited a generosity which knew no bounds. He was well known for going out of his way to lend a hand to friends, colleagues, and other folks who had fallen on hard times.

Above all, Joe was a devoted family man. He had such happy times with his wife Tamara and their three boys Eli, Jack, and Ike. They treasured many wonderful family times together at their vacation home in Florida. Joe loved each of them with his whole heart and was so proud of the young men his boys were becoming. His happiness was marred only by the tragic death of their 2-year-old daughter Dugan in 2012, and he honored her memory every day. What peace it brings to think of them together now.

Joe was predeceased by his daughter Dugan, his parents Dugan and Rascoe Davis, and his sister Beth Davis. He is survived by his wife Tamara, his boys Eli, Jack, and Ike, his sisters Anne Davis and Pat Davis, as well as 11 nieces and nephews.

Public Graveside Service is Tuesday, December 22 at 2 pm:

Mount Olivet Cemetery

1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to:

Backfield in Motion (Visit: https://www.backfieldinmotion.org/donate By checks: make checks payable to Backfield in Motion - Mail to 920 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206)

Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road, Nashville, 37205 (Visit: https://www.montgomerybell.edu/support-mba/ways-to-give),

or the charity of your choice.