I wrestled at Bishop Kelley in 1986 and 1987 for Coach Davis. He was in my corner when I won my only state championship. Through his guidance, I was introduced to and recruited by Alan Albright, Fred’s coaching successor at Brigham Young University, where I obtained my undergraduate degree. Coach Davis made a strong impression on me during a critical phase in my life. He was a terrific individual with incredible integrity, who helped me to mature. In a lifetime of experiences, it is rare to be able to connect a single event or individual directly to your choices and your destiny, but that is true of my time with Coach Davis. Without his contributing influence, I may not have continued wrestling or even gone to college, but he helped me do both at BYU, which created the opportunity for me to go to law school.

I have four short stories that relate to Coach Fred:

1. Milkshakes. We (Coach Davis, Keith Nix and I) had an almost daily bet in the Fall of 1986 over how far/how long Keith Nix and I could walk around the wrestling room on our hands. The loser owed the winner a milkshake during the lunch hour, which Coach Davis monitored. Keith had tremendous balance and strength. After a while, the game got out of hand when Keith upped the ante to include the winner (Keith and I) getting to use Coach Davis’ car on weekends.
2. Fairness. When I arrived at BYU in the fall of 1988, the culture Fred had created in the wrestling program was apparent. Most of the athletes knew him or knew of him. He had recruited some. They were high character people, and their attitude towards competitive fairness reminded me of him. Our connection to Coach Davis eased my transition.
3. BYU. In the days before Instagram or YouTube, recruiting was largely word of mouth, especially in minor sports. BYU would not have recruited me without Coach Davis' support and input. Not only did he help connect me to the school, but he convinced Coach Albright that my skill set was worth a valuable scholarship, which was a necessity for me. During my freshman year at BYU, when success was often hard to find, he continued to encourage me to develop and grow, which helped me improve.
4. Powerhouse. During our lunchtime conversations over milkshakes, we asked him about his middle name – we only knew of the initial “P.” He would not tell us, so we guessed and guessed, especially when we learned that he was from Waldo, Arkansas. In response, I recall that he always smiled and replied that the “P” in Fred Paul was for “Powerhouse.” He was right.

My prayers and blessings to all of Coach Davis' family.

Fred was such an amazing man and a great administrator! At Bishop Kelley, he was patient but firm with the students and they respected him and had great fondness for him. He always had a smile on his face for everyone he met! He was such a help to me in my classroom and so easy to talk to and I always enjoyed our visits! Fred also helped me learn how to drive a school bus! So many memories! Peace and consolation to the family!

I remember Fred so well - how could anyone forget Fred Davis..? Such a nice person who I always liked seeing and being around - and looked forward to seeing again. I am especially grateful for how nice and supportive he was to my father, the former wrestling coach at Will Rogers High School, who was a bit of a mentor to Fred. Dad thought the world of Fred and enjoyed being with him for all those years they knew each other. Fred's a great loss to all those who knew him - and I am just glad I got to be in that lucky group..!  July 28, 2020

Fred was Dean of Students at Bishop Kelley when I began working there in 1996. Fred helped me become a better teacher by showing me the best ways to relate to students. He was a friendly but firm and fair Dean and the students really respected him for that. I saw Fred interact with students on a daily basis and he was the utmost professional. What a great guy.

For 36 years, I had the privilege of calling Fred my stepfather. From the day I met him, I adored him. He was so kind, attentive and fun! Although we lived far apart, I have so many great memories with him during my visits, from riding through the mountains in his convertible with my sisters (and him letting us sit up high in the back), family bike rides, playing croquet in the backyard, road trips, climbing the 'Y' on the mountain in Provo and countless story telling and conversations while sipping on his best homemade iced tea. He referred to me as Jenny-Lee, Ida-belle and he was forever Fredaluffagus. 

I was always amazed (but not surprised) at the many, many lives he touched in his community - through his passion of being a wrestling coach, to his students at school and his huge love for his family.

I will never forget his distinct laugh, strong voice and can almost hear him now, say 'gee-manee' or 'well I'll be darned'.

Fred will be missed, but never forgotten.

Fred was a great father in law and role model, who instilled a deep sense of family pride in his children. Fred was dignified, He had a very classy persona, with strong outspoken views and beliefs that commanded the respect I felt for him. The powerful ties he had with his family will never be undone. I hope they will lend Aid and comfort in his passing. My love and prayers go out for a family and friends who will miss him greatly. I was blessed to know the man and am grateful to have been A small part of his life.
Farewell my friend.

Coach Davis was not only my Coach but he was a great friend. We have stayed in touch ever since he and Deon moved to back to Oklahoma. Coach was a great teacher and Coach. I had the privilege of being his assistant Coach. He would pull little pranks on me that as a wrestler you wouldn't see. He had a great sense of humor. He always was there to pull me out of a jam when my car or truck broke down, which was often . Love the man, he will truly be missed.