Early Clifford “Cliff” Davis, Jr., passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in Georgetown at the age of 87.
Cliff was born on October 30, 1938, in Alice to Early Clifford “Red” Davis and Katherine Storey McMillan Davis. Known to many as “Stuffy,” he graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School in 1957 before attending Texas A&M University on an athletic scholarship as a member of the Class of 1961. At Texas A&M, Cliff excelled as a three-year letterman on the Aggie baseball team and earned all-conference honors for two years. His love for baseball became a lifelong passion that shaped much of his remarkable career and legacy.
Cliff signed with the Houston Astros organization in 1962, playing as both a pitcher and outfielder, before later becoming a coach and manager. In 1970, he was named Manager of the Year for the Class A Carolina League while managing the Raleigh-Durham Triangles.
After his baseball career, Cliff’s professional life remained as adventurous as it was accomplished. He owned commercial fishing and shrimping businesses and worked as a crop-dusting pilot. He also dedicated many years to coaching young athletes in Rockport-Fulton, Gregory-Portland, and Corpus Christi, earning widespread respect for his leadership, baseball knowledge, and commitment to mentoring young players. In recognition of his impact on athletics and youth development, Cliff was inducted into the South Texas Coaches Hall of Fame and the Rockport-Fulton Athletics Hall of Fame.
Beyond the baseball field, Cliff remained deeply connected to the Coastal Bend lifestyle he loved. He guided hunting and fishing trips while continuing to teach baseball skills to generations of young athletes. He also enjoyed raising and training chocolate labs, combining his love of animals with his patient and spirited nature.
Cliff was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Stephanie Jean Davis, lovingly known as “Shorty,” who passed away on December 23, 2022.
He is survived by his daughters, Katrina Ann Davis and Melissa Gaye Davis; grandsons Joshua James Davis, Cimarron Ryan, and Kele Thrailkill; granddaughter River Watkins; and his dear friend Linda Masera, along with countless former players, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched through his kindness, mentorship, and unforgettable stories.
Both Cliff and Shorty were confirmed members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a community that remained close to their hearts even after moving to Georgetown.
A memorial service celebrating the lives of Cliff and Shorty will be held on June 4 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
As Cliff and Shorty requested, their ashes will be spread together from a crop duster over Corpus Christi Bay, where they will forever watch the moon rise together.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Youth Endowment Fund.
Posted online on May 21, 2026
Published in Caller Times