Dana Davis

Dana Davis, 56, of Memphis, died October 3, 2012. Davis was entering his 13th season with the Grizzlies as Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Programs, where he oversaw player development programs that promote the personal, professional and social development of NBA players through educational programs, critical support services and one-on-one mentoring. He also served as the team liaison for the NBA’s Steering Committee for Player Development.

Furthermore, Davis was responsible for overseeing the Grizzlies’ travel plans, accommodations, schedule and security while the team is on the road. His duties included organizing the team and players’ schedules, ensuring they are on time for all their games, practices, shootarounds, flights and buses and scheduling the main court and practice court at FedExForum for visiting teams.

A member of the National Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors since July 2011, Davis’ background in sports and entertainment brought a unique perspective to the Museum. Before joining the Grizzlies, Davis worked 11 years in the music industry, managing such artists as Bootsy Collins.

Serving in the past on numerous inner-city Boards in his native Peoria, Ill., where he was elected to the African-American Hall of Fame Museum in 2007, Davis co-founded the “Mitchell ‘JJ’ Anderson Camp with Grizzlies director of pro personnel Mitchell Anderson in 1997.

Davis also worked under head coach Wayne McClain on the basketball staff at his old high school in Peoria. He graduated from Bradley University in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration. In his spare time, he enjoyed fulfilling his two passions: sports and music.

Visitation will be from three o’clock until six o’clock in the evening, Saturday, the 6th of October, in the sanctuary of Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Linden) Avenue. Funeral services will be at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, 7th of October at the church as well. Burial will be in his hometown of Peoria.