2024 Daniel Boone Festival Grand Marshal: Harrison B. Davis

Harrison B. Davis, a beloved figure in Knox County, Kentucky, has spent over five decades shaping the lives of countless students, serving his community, and embodying the values of dedication, faith, and compassion. His remarkable journey as an educator, community leader, and family man has earned him the honor of being named the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Daniel Boone Festival, a fitting tribute to a life well-lived.

Harrison was born in Cincinnati and raised in Kentucky, where he developed a deep love for his community. He met the love of his life, Nancy Cobb, during their college years—Nancy was a freshman at Union College, and Harrison was a senior at Eastern Kentucky University. They married on April 19, 1969, beginning a partnership that has spanned 55 years. Reflecting on their early years, Nancy recalls the challenges they faced, moving to Ohio without a vehicle or money and relying on public transportation to get to their jobs at Abbitt Linen.

In 1970, Harrison began his teaching career in Boone County, Kentucky, but his path was soon interrupted when he was drafted into the Army. During his service, he missed the birth of his son, Timothy Harrison, in January 1971. Despite this, Harrison remained committed to his family, and after his military service ended in 1972, he returned to Kentucky to resume his career in education.

Harrison’s return to teaching marked the beginning of a long and impactful career. He was hired at Girdler Elementary School as a sixth-grade teacher and quickly moved to teach seventh and eighth-grade History and Social Studies—his true passion. Harrison spent 19 years at Girdler, where he not only taught but also coached track, instilling in his students a sense of pride and accomplishment regardless of their place in the standings.

Throughout his career, Harrison held various positions in Knox County schools, including principal of Dewitt Elementary School and Lay Elementary School. His leadership at Dewitt was marked by high attendance rates and academic success, with the school being recognized as a reward school under his guidance.

In 1972, Harrison made a life-changing decision to become a Christian, a commitment he has upheld with unwavering dedication. He has been a member of Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church for many years, serving as a song leader for 45 years and a deacon for 35 years. His deep faith and commitment to his church community have been a guiding force in his life.

Harrison’s devotion to his family is evident in every aspect of his life. He coached his son Tim in various sports, including basketball, football, and golf, and was a constant source of support and encouragement. Tim Davis speaks fondly of his father, expressing gratitude for Harrison’s unwavering presence and uplifting spirit:

“I am so blessed to have such wonderful Christian parents, and my dad has always been there to support me no matter what I was doing, whether coaching me in sports or in life. He was there for me, and he continues to be there for me now, and I can’t thank him enough for it. HD, as he’s known to many, has an uplifting spirit that sees the best in people. His positivity has not only lifted me up, but also many of his former students and players over the years. He’s an original, one of a kind. I love him dearly and couldn’t have asked for a better dad.”

As a grandfather to Jenna Camille Davis, Harrison and Nancy cherished their time with her, always ensuring she felt loved and supported. In her younger years, she loved for Harrison to carry her around the room as if they were dancing. She loved music, playing games outside, spending time with the dog, taking care of the flowers, and watching butterflies. Sadly, Jenna passed away, leaving a profound impact on Harrison and the entire family. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Harrison’s faith and the memories of the joyful times they shared continue to provide strength and comfort.

Kim Davis, Harrison’s daughter-in-law, added:

“Harrison has been a wonderful father-in-law for 30 years now. He was also a terrific papaw to Jenna, who loved him dearly. She was very proud that he was an educator who knew just about everyone.”

Even after retiring in 1999, Harrison continued to serve the Knox County school district as a substitute teacher and principal. His experience and wisdom made him a sought-after figure in the local education community. He also became a licensed basketball referee, continuing his involvement in youth sports until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.

Harrison’s contributions to Knox County have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, The Mountain Advocate published an article titled “Harrison Davis is One of a Kind,” highlighting his many accomplishments and his enduring impact on the community. His voice also became well-known as the narrator of the Facebook video “Why Not KC,” which promoted Knox Central High School and garnered over 25,000 views.

As the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Daniel Boone Festival, Harrison Davis is excited to reconnect with former students, friends, and colleagues. This honor is a testament to his lifelong dedication to education, faith, and community. Harrison’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Knox County, making him a true local hero.

The entire community looks forward to celebrating with Harrison as they honor the pioneering spirit of Daniel Boone and enjoy the festivities of the 76th annual Daniel Boone Festival. Harrison’s life and legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to serve their communities with the same passion and dedication that he has shown throughout his remarkable life.