MEMPHIS, October 4, 2012– Funeral services were announced for Grizzlies Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Programs Dana Davis. Davis, 56, was found passed away in his home on Wednesday, Oct. 3.
The Memphis Grizzlies are inviting Davis’ friends across the world of sports and entertainment to a viewing from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Mount Olive Cathedral CME Church (538 Linden Ave., Memphis 38126). Funeral services will be held at Mount Olive Cathedral from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.
Please send all flowers to Mount Olive Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, all donations should go to the National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry St., Memphis 38103).
Services for Davis will be held in Peoria, IL on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Bradley University Renaissance Coliseum (1600 W. Main Street, Peoria, IL 61625). Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a burial service at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, IL.
Davis was entering his 13th season with the Grizzlies, overseeing player development programs that promote the personal, professional and social development of NBA players through educational programs and one-on-one mentoring. Among his numerous responsibilities with the team were the team’s travel schedule, accommodations and security on the road. He also served as the team liaison for the NBA’s Steering Committee for Player Development.
Richly giving of his time, Davis was extremely active in the communities of Memphis and his native Peoria, Ill. Named to the National Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors in July 2011, Davis used his extensive background in sports and entertainment to bring a unique perspective to the Memphis museum.
In addition to serving on numerous inner-city Boards in Peoria, Davis co-founded the Mitchell “J.J” Anderson All-Star Basketball Camp with Grizzlies Director of Pro Personnel Mitchell Anderson in 1997, helping children learn fundamentals of the game and discussing issues pertaining to today’s youth both in Memphis and Peoria.
He also was honored as the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award by the King Holiday Committee in Peoria this past January.
The Grizzlies will announce plans to honor Davis in the upcoming 2012-13 season at a later date.