Archie Davis

Archie Davis - husband, father, brother, son, friend, and community activist - died at home on May 19, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1964, and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of Barbara Gray and Archie Davis Sr. He was the oldest of seven brothers. He was predeceased by his mother, father, stepfather Forest Gray; his brothers Chris and Ray Davis, and his wife, Kathy Davis. He is survived by his brothers, Glen Davis, Dwayne Gray, Keith Gray, Kenny Gray; his seven children, Deonte Cottingham, Deveron Davis, Justin Flones, Ashley Payne, Cameronn Davis, Claire Affentranger, Jordan Davis; and his stepchildren, Jacob Walsh, Matt Walsh, and their families.

Archie moved to Duluth in 2000, where he worked at Cirrus Aircraft, Trillium Services, and as an instructor at the Duluth Community School Collaborative. He was active in the community, serving on numerous Boards and Commissions dedicated to racial equity, housing and employment opportunities, and social justice. He was a beloved basketball and leadership coach for youth at Nettleton, Grant, and Myers-Wilkins schools and was instrumental in mentoring and developing leadership skills among hundreds of Duluth kids.

Through his dedication to making a positive difference in people's lives, Archie leaves a legacy of respect for human dignity, commitment to standing up for justice, and listening with the heart. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by those whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E., Duluth, MN. A meal and social gathering will follow the service at the church.

Archie's family and friends are raising funds to assist his family with immediate needs following his death and memorial service arrangements. https://gofund.me/f9e65363