Anthony (Tony) Davis, Jr. , 92, passed away June 12, 2019 at Bethel Nursing home in Stanley, ND. He was born in 1926 to Theresa (Michalik) and Anthony Davis, Sr. in Crete, ND. He was raised in the area and attended schools in Oakes, ND. He officially graduated from Oakes High School in 1945, but received credit for his last year of high school, since he entered the US Army to serve in WWII as soon as he turned 18.

After being honorably discharged from the US Army he continued his postsecondary education at North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND and graduated in 1949 with a teaching degree in Science and PE. His first teaching job was in Fullerton, ND where he taught Chemistry and coached football, baseball and both girls and boys basketball. He coached the Fullerton girl’s basketball team to the ND State Class C Championship title in 1954. He was honored at the 2004 Class B tournament on the 50th anniversary of that achievement where he celebrated with many of the members of that team.

He married Mary Ellen Reynolds on June 19th, 1950 in Fullerton, ND. Together they raised five children. The family moved to Tioga, ND in 1958 when Tony accepted a teaching and coaching position at Tioga High School. By sharing his philosophy of “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”, he helped many of his former students and athletes get through some of life’s difficulties. Sport’s practices were tough. One of his former athletes came back from boot camp and shared that boot camp was easier than a season of Coach Davis’ football practices. Having been raised during tough times, he always had a watchful eye for those kids needing extra encouragement.

In the late 60’s, Tony and Mary Ellen purchased land in the White Earth Valley and Ash Coulee Angus Ranch was established.

Tony retired from teaching in 1985 but continued to offer his “two cents” in the running of the ranch until his death. He enjoyed riding and raising appaloosa horses as well as raising angus cattle. He was an avid sport’s fan and knew the name of every player on the Twin’s roster this season.

He is survived by one brother, Kenneth Davis, Milton Freewater, OR, his children, Sue Ellen, Bismarck, ND; Steve, White Earth, ND; Scott, White Earth, ND; Sally, Denver, CO; Stuart, Santa Cruz, CA, his ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.