Francis “Cotton” Davidson- FB ’49, ’51-’53, BB ’53-’54, FB Coach
Cotton Davidson, age 91 of Gatesville passed away to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, December 23, 2022 in Waco. His beloved wife of 68 years, Carolyn was at his side.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Gatesville, with Rev. Neal Jeffrey of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas officiating. Private family interment will be at Davidson Cemetery, with Dr. Levi Price officiating.
Francis Marion Davidson, otherwise known as “Cotton,” was born on a cattle and goat ranch outside of Gatesville on November 30, 1931. He was the son of the late John Thomas (J.T.) and Alyne Davis Davidson. Cotton was raised in Gatesville and graduated from Gatesville High School in 1949. He attended Baylor University, where he played football and met Carolyn Mabery. He graduated from Baylor in 1954 and married Carolyn on June 5, 1954.
Cotton Davidson loved Coryell County, his football and coaching career. Because of his career, he was forced to leave his hometown, but always returned knowing that this is where he was happiest. His career led to many accomplishments and achievements, but none were valued greater than his family. His wife Carolyn supported and followed him through his career with their family. He was drafted in the first round of the 1954 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Colts where he played quarterback and punter. Shortly after, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he would receive the All-Army Quarterback in 1955. He briefly returned to the Baltimore Colts, to find friend Johnny Unitas in his stead, so he joined the Calgary Stampede with the Canadian Football League. Following Calgary, he coached at Baylor University for one year, played quarterback for the Dallas Texans for two, and found a home with the Oakland Raiders for seven years. He played for the AFL All-Stars in 1961 and 1963 and was the AFL All-Star Game MVP in 1961. After his career as a professional football player, Cotton returned to Baylor University to become an Offensive Coach for 21 years.
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On my game-used jersey, I can see that Mims was honored a few years ago (number 5). If you can use it, I’d want to gift it to him or the “B” association. Ghost writing you could let me know, and I’d mail it to the address on the webpage.