What We Do

Since 2017, we have led the effort to permanently leave a positive impact on the community. We have been at the forefront of fighting violence, educating the youth, and intervening in the lives of troubled youth.

Our Mission

The Willie Davis Sports Foundation: An organization dedicated to intervening in the lives of troubled youth and successful youth alike, through sports, trades and education.

"Help someone everyday"

The Biography of Willie Davis

Willie Davis was born June 2, 1944 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to the parents of Andrew Davis and Viola Anderson. The family moved to Saint Louis, Mo. when Willie was at a young age citing the death of his mother Viola. Willie attended Hamilton Elementary school and later attended Vashon High School in Saint Louis, Mo. Armed with a grit and desire to make life better for himself he began taking on odd jobs such as newsboy and helping out at the local butcher shop. After becoming of age Willie joined the United States Military, Army division on August 2, 1961 at the age of 19. He was stationed in Fort Hamilton, New York. Here he earned the rank of sharpshooter and served as such during his deployments to Japan and Germany. After his tour ended, a racist incident occurred involving a white merchant who spat in his food that marred his career ending his 2 years 3 months a 14 days of service to a discharge of “Other than honorable” in August of ‘63. His intolerance of being treated with such disrespect caused him to challenge his superior, who did not speak up for him relative to the incident, which ultimately resulted in his dismissal. As a civilian, Willie again began forging his way through life with determination and passion. He took up the trade of painting that would later cement who he is and was as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend. In 1971, Willie met and later married Maggie Lee Howard they were in there 20’s during this time and as it was told to this writer they were very much into each other, Maggie already had 3 children from a previous relationship when the two met, 2 boys and 1 girl. Willie also had 3 girls from a previous relationship. The two began a life together and ultimately brought forth 6 beautiful children bringing the family dynamic to 13 kids, total. During that time Willie continued to work hard for his family while taking odd painting jobs to maintain his family and care for his new responsibilities. Their life continued and they both worked hard building their family. Willie was presented with the opportunity after much hard work and honing of his skill to be a member of Local #58 Brotherhood of Painters unions in 1985. Mr. Davis did so and excelled in the area of painting, that he garnering praise from contractors alike about his precision, leadership and care of his work. Willie excelled quickly and was asked to complete a number of significant work assignments such as the historic “Water Tower” on East Grand and 20 th street in North St. Louis. He also was part of the highway 70 expansion in downtown St. Louis and the much needed facelift of Forest Park project. As he became a pillar in his field, he began to notice the same opportunities afforded him were not always extended to others who looked like him. Disturbed by this practice he again challenged the status quo by holding union leaders to the fire over recruitment and job assignment disparities, thrusting him into bitter wars with Local union leadership. Despite the mistreatment he received for voicing his concerns, sometimes resulting in no work for months at a time, he never missed a union due payment. Stressing to his kids to keep their commitments and finish the work they started. To challenge mistreatment when you see it and don’t be silenced by repercussion. After many battles with the union headway was made and many young men and women were given opportunities that were not there before. Willie became the face of the Union and usually would be on the front lines leading the Union down Market Street during “Labors Day” parade. Later in life he saw an opportunity to make something of his own and he dived right into it. He began his own painting business that lasted for about 2 years before a pancreatic cancer diagnoses sidelined him 2004, eventually killing him later that year. This foundation will serve as a pillar for his legacy to offer opportunities to young people who exhibit a drive and willingness to work hard despite the obstacles they face. In his honor, for his legacy, by his children, through the foundation shall life, opportunity and support breed our next generation of William “Willie” Davis.