E. Gilmore “Gilly” Davis†
Inducted: 1992
Hometown: San Benito
High School: San Benito High School
College: Kilgore Junior College
Best Known for: Athlete – Football
Davis, known affectionately as Gilly, was 143 pounds of dynamite who became an outstanding college player in spite of his lack of size.
After starring for San Benito High School, he went to Kilgore Junior College before matriculating to The University of Texas to play for Coach Dana X. Bible in 1938.
He led team in punting that season, and in 1939 was the star of UT's near-upset of eventual national champion Texas A&M University, with a 58-yard punt and two touchdown-saving tackles on Thanksgiving Day.
Told by most SWC coaches that he was too small to make it in the league, Davis defied the odds to become a contributing member of the Longhorns, winning team MVP his senior season.
In later years, Davis coached at Uvalde Junior College and became a long-time football official, working big college bowl games such as the Orange, Cotton and Sugar.