By Josh Troy Clarksdale Advocate
Coahoma County’s football stadium was recently renamed the Davey Lee Farris Jr. Field after the longtime coach in the school district. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate renaming the field was held on October 26, with Farris and his family present. It was previously called Crumpton Field when it was Clarksdale High School’s home stadium. The Red Panthers played in the stadium while it was Clarksdale High School’s.
When the Clarksdale Municipal School District had its own field built at the high school in 2020, the Coahoma County School District purchased Crumpton Field. The CCSD posted a survey allowing citizens to give their input on what the new name for Crumpton Field should be. The majority of citizens suggested the field should be named after Farris.
Farris spent 23 years in the CCSD where he taught physical education and health, was an assistant football coach, and the head baseball coach for the Red Panthers. Farris’ wife, Gussie, posted his speech about naming the field after him on Facebook.
“Good evening, Citizens of Clarksdale and Coahoma County,” said Farris, opening his speech. “I don’t know how to begin to say thank you for this great honor. It is not possible to express to you how much it means to me, how honored I am, how grateful I am, how blessed I am. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who nominated me, thank you to those who voted for me, thank you to the Coahoma County School Board and Dr. Virginia Young, Superintendent, and her administration.
“Thank you to all the wonderful parents, students, and staff of the Coahoma County School District, where I spent 23 years as a Coach, PE and Health teacher, and Driver’s Ed teacher. I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the fine coaches who helped me on my way, starting with my CHS coach, the legendary Hoss Bennett, and CCHS coaches, Keith Dooley, Walter Bishop, Fred Johnson, Gregory Redd, Timothy Williams, and a host of others. Also, a few of my principals, starting with CHS principal, Dr. Bob Ellard, and CCHS principals, Raymond Jordan, Robert Lee, Jimmy Williams, Roosevelt Ramsay, and Olenza McBride, and a host of others. Also, my superintendents, Dr. Webster, Dr. Shaffer, and Pauline Rhodes. Everyone, please forgive me if I have left anyone out.
“Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Gussie Farris, who served the Coahoma County Schools as a teacher, principal, School Psychologist, and Special Services Director for 40 years. Together, with a combined total of 63 years, we gave our hearts and souls to the wonderful students of Coahoma County Schools. Lastly, I want to thank God for being with me every day in good times and in bad. May he bless this stadium and the people of Coahoma County. Thank you!”
