Endowed Scholarship Fund - Football

GILES (DONALD M.) and
DAVIS (WILLIAM G.) CLASS OF 1964
SCHOLARSHIP
Represented by Mr. Don Giles '64 of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Donald M. Giles '64         

                                William G. Davis '64

This scholarship was established in 2002 by bequest from Donald M. Giles ’64 to perpetuate the names of two friends, teammates, and military misfits: Giles and and the late William G. (Bill) Davis. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the VMI Football Team who matriculates from Virginia.

The scholarship was formerly presented to the Institute during a ceremony held in the Ferebee Lounge during halftime of the VMI vs. Georgia Southern football game on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2001, before the death of Davis, who suffered from cancer.

Giles matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia; Davis matriculated from Rocky Mount, Virginia. During their cadetship, both were Privates, both participated in the Football and Track Programs, both were Lettermen, and both were history majors.

Giles was ranked, for the 1963 football season, as one of the fastest ends on the team and a good receiver, and used his sprinting ability offensively. During the trouncing of William & Mary (26-6), Giles caught three passes for 46 yards.

Davis played at Fullback and was known as “The Bullet.” He was the leading scorer in the 1962 season, and was named the state’s “Back of the Year” by the Roanoke Touchdown Club and the Richmond Sportsmen’s Club. That year, Davis scored three times to offer the Davidson Wildcats as a sacrifice for the dedication of the new Alumni Stadium, and he led the scoring for the defeat of The Citadel. One of “The Bullet’s” most memorable achievements occurred on Thanksgiving Day when the Keydets handed VPI a 14-9 loss. As stated in the 1963 BOMB, “Late in the third quarter, All-Conference fullback Bill Davis climaxed a 65-yard cadet drive by plunging over from the 2-yard line” to give VMI a 14-7 lead. Because of this victory, VMI won the Southern Conference Championship, Coach McKenna was named SoCon Coach-of-the-Year, and Davis won an individual conference award.

In the 1963 season, Davis was instrumental in moving the Keydets 60 yards in the second half for a score that sparked the Keydets to a 14-6 victory over George Washington, and scored the only touchdown in the 7-7 tie with Richmond. Davis was named to the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

Following graduation, Giles served in the U.S. Army from 1964-66. Davis attended law school at the University of Richmond, where he earned an LLB degree, and later served in the U.S. Army from 1967-69.

Giles is a partner with Moore & Giles (Lynchburg). Davis, who passed away on February 27, 2004, was an attorney with Davis Davis Davis & Rice in Rocky Mount. The two remained close Brother Rats throughout their adult lives, and treasured their shared experiences as cadets, Privates and athletes at the Institute.

Cadet Andy Viola '08, who is recognized in the name of the Giles and Davis Class of 1964 Scholarship for the 2007-08 school year, with Mrs. Karen Davis and Mr. Don Giles '64.