Donald Ray Davis

Donald Ray Davis, 88, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, following an extensive and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Don was born on May 25, 1937, in Oenaville, Texas, to John Hazel and Effie Adeline Davis. He spent his early years there, where his love for sports began. Naturally gifted athletically, Don excelled at any sport he chose to pursue.

He met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carolyn Ann Hilliard, and they were married on August 4, 1956, while Don was attending Ranger College on a football scholarship. An ankle injury ended his playing career at Ranger, after which he transferred to Temple College to play basketball, and eventually to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he completed his education.

Following graduation, Don began his professional life in coaching, holding brief positions in Rockwall, Belton, Houston, and Hillsboro. He later stepped away from coaching to work in the family business for twelve years. In God’s perfect timing, a door opened that allowed Don to return to his true passion. He went on to spend the final 26 years of his career coaching the Temple Wildcats alongside his lifelong friend and head coach, Bob McQueen. During his tenure at Temple High School, Coach Davis was instrumental in the Wildcats’ state championship victories in 1979 and again in 1992—achievements of which he was deeply proud. The 1979 championship was especially meaningful to Don, as his daughter Joy was a cheerleader for that team.

Aside from his passion for coaching, Don greatly enjoyed the outdoors. He had a lifelong love for fishing and took pride in making his own lures. He cherished weekends with family at the deer lease, and few things could capture his attention like a good big-buck story. Don also enjoyed the game of golf and was quite a player, finding both camaraderie and quiet enjoyment on the course. Don lived an honorable life, guided by an exceptionally strong Christian faith that was evident in everything he did. His greatest passion was pouring into the lives of young men, helping mold them into future leaders. A man of few words, Don spoke with purpose and conviction. He took great pride in teaching “The Wildcat Way,” often emphasizing the importance of taking care of “The Little Things.”

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brothers, John Hazel Davis Jr. (“Sonny”) and Ronald Frank Davis.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Carolyn Davis; his daughter, Joy Schneider, and her husband, Russell; and his son, Bryant Davis, and his wife, Kelly. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Jeffrey Schneider (Hope), Mindy Washington, Shane Schneider (Emily), Braydon Davis, and Connor Davis; and eight great-grandchildren: Princeton Schneider, Rhett Schneider, Jaleigh Schneider, Quinn Schneider, Blakely Schneider, Noah Schneider, Royce Washington, and Sofi Washington.

Coach Davis was blessed with an abundance of friends, colleagues, former players and students all whom he considered extended family. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched both on and off the field. Having lived a life of faith and service, we trust Coach has now heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

The family extends sincere thanks to the staff and caregivers of Georgetown Living Memory Care, whose compassion and faithful care over nearly five years brought comfort and dignity to Don and peace of mind to his family.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the Georgetown Living at 2700 Shell Road, Georgetown, Texas 78628. 

Visitation Services will be held at Temple Bible Church - Main Auditorium on Saturday, December 27, 2025  starting at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm  with Funeral Services starting at 1:00 pm with Dr. Byron Weathersbee officiating. Burial will follow in procession to Hilliard Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center in Temple, Texas