James T. Davis

James T. Davis, 86, a longtime resident of the Centerville community in Trinity County, Texas, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Lufkin. James T. was born December 25, 1939, in Pennington, Trinity County, Texas, to Lois T. Davis and Eula Mae Wright Davis. He loved East Texas and the Centerville community where he was raised, often speaking fondly of its beauty and of the freedom and adventure of his youth—riding horses through its pastures and piney woods and spending time at his grandfather Charlie T.’s home. During his years at Centerville High School, he excelled in both basketball and baseball and remained proud of those experiences throughout his life. He graduated in 1958 and later earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. On October 17, 1959, he married Dorothy Lee, and they shared more than 66 years of marriage.

He began his professional career in 1966 as a teacher and basketball coach in Brookeland, Texas, where he also served as high school principal. In 1969, he led the Brookeland boys’ basketball team to the state championship game, where the team finished as state runner-up. That same year, he was named the 1969 SFA Alumni Association Basketball Coach of the Year.

James T. later taught and coached at West Sabine High School in Pineland before returning to his hometown community of Centerville in 1974. At Centerville, he served as a teacher, coach, and high school principal. In 1979, he was named the SFA Alumni Association Baseball Coach of the Year. He became superintendent of Centerville Independent School District in 1982 and served in that position until his retirement in 2003.

Although he later served as principal and superintendent, teaching and coaching remained among the great loves of his life. He treasured the memories he made with the many players and students he had the privilege of teaching and coaching through the years.

Above all, James T. was a devoted husband and father. He was a wonderful husband to Dorothy and a loving father to his sons, enriching their lives through his love, leadership, guidance, and the example he set for them throughout his life. His deep Christian faith was central to his life, and he had attended Apple Springs Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading about history and politics and especially cherished time spent camping, hunting, and fishing with his sons, brothers, nephews, and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Lee Davis; sons and daughters-in-law, Jason T. Davis and his wife, Charlotte, of Apple Springs, and Dr. Jad Lee Davis and his wife, Laura, of Lubbock; grandchildren, Joshua Davis of Houston, Fatima Davis of Apple Springs, Sitlalli “Tia” Davis of Bryan, Dr. Daniel Davis and his fiancée, Dr. Linda Leiguez, of Temple, Dr. Andrew Davis and his wife, Anna, of Lubbock, John Davis and his wife, Taylor, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Samuel “Sam” Davis and his fiancée, Liliana Gómez Lozano, of Lubbock; five great-grandchildren, Thomas, Michael, Ellie, Jack, and Lizzie; brother, Dennis Davis and his wife, Milda; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois T. Davis and Eula Mae Worthington; brother and sister-in-law, Aubrey and Charlene Davis; and sister, Dollie Floyd.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to his physician, Richard Roby, M.D., and to the staffs of PineCrest George Henderson Memory Care and Affinity Hospice of Lufkin for the care and kindness shown to James T.

Memorial contributions in honor of James T. may be made to the Centerville ISD Ex-Students Association.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, with Pastor Mike Due officiating and Mr. John Reynolds delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow at Bennett Cemetery in Trinity County. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Davis, Dr. Daniel Davis, Dr. Andrew Davis, John Davis, Samuel “Sam” Davis, and Craig Davis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Davis, Evan Davis, Dean Davis, Lee Due, Bryan Hathorn, Dwayne Tullos, John Reynolds, James Due, Jim Wise, Johnny Zolman, and Roy Powell.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.