Ronald Davis, PHS class of 1965, native of Perry, and son of Gail Davis, is proud to follow in his father’s footsteps as an Honorary Homecoming Royalty/Honorary Homecoming Captain of Perry High School. He is joined by his wife, Beverly.
Ron and Beverly Davis reside in Minneapolis, Minn., and spend their winters in Florida on historic American Beach, located on Amelia Island. Before retiring, each worked for over 40 years in professions that served youth.
Ron was a career probation officer for Hennepin County. In 1970 Beverly, a career educator, was the first teacher of color hired in Hopkins School District 279. She ended her career as a principal of Metrotech Academy in North Minneapolis. In between, she taught at Brookline High School and Lesley College.
Ron and Beverly met at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, formerly Truman State University. They earned their Bachelor of Science in Education degrees in physical education and English, respectively.
While attending Truman, Ron excelled in track, and Beverly was one of 12 women who chartered Zeta Zeta, a chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. It was the first black sorority on campus.
As a testament to his numerous outstanding achievements in track and field while attending high school and college, Ron was inducted in 2010 into the Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame.
To further her own professional development, Beverly earned a master’s and doctorate in education from Harvard University. Ron ended his career by facilitating resolution meetings between juveniles and the families they offended.
Now retired, Ron golfs and Beverly reads books and takes writing courses. She is also an active member in an alumna chapter of her sorority. Together they enjoy biking and spending time with family, which includes his daughter, Netrea, and her husband, Gary; four grandchildren, Willie, Summyr, Ty and Kyra; and a great-granddaughter, Kamorah. Ron’s sisters, Carole (PHS Class of ’63) and Jann (PHS Class of ’66) are also loyal Bluejays. His late brother, Dwight, was a state champion in the high jump.
Ron was a state champion in track and field, a state and national high school track record holder and a collegiate All-American. The annual Perry High School Davis Relays is held in honor of the Gail Davis family.
