08/24/2026
The passing of former Claiborne County Sheriff Frank Davis marks the loss of a true trailblazer in Mississippi law enforcement.
Sheriff Davis did more than make history. He changed history.
When he was elected Sheriff of Claiborne County in 1979, becoming Mississippi’s first elected Black sheriff in the modern era following Reconstruction, he opened a door that generations after him would walk through.
As a Black Police Chief who has had the privilege of serving communities across Mississippi, I understand that some of the opportunities we have today exist because men like Sheriff Davis had the courage to step forward when the road was much harder.
That kind of courage deserves to be remembered.
What I respect most about his legacy is that he didn’t just achieve something for himself. He helped develop others. He showed what leadership could look like and helped prepare another generation to lead.
Real leadership isn’t measured only by what you accomplish while you’re in the seat. It’s measured by who is better prepared to sit in the seat because you were there.
Mississippi law enforcement owes Sheriff Frank Davis a debt of gratitude.
To his family, Sheriff Edward Goods, the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department, and everyone whose life was touched by his leadership, I extend my sincere condolences and prayers.
Sheriff Davis, you broke barriers, opened doors, and left footprints that many of us are still walking in today.
Rest well, Sheriff. Your service is complete, but your legacy is not.
Chief Joseph M. Daughtry, Sr.