Bob Davis, a legendary voice in the world of sports broadcasting, has passed away.
According to the New York Post, Bob Davis, celebrated for his vibrant career with the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals, died recently in Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 80, shortly after his wife Linda's death.
Bob Davis's illustrious broadcasting journey began in 1968 at KAYS, a local station in Hays, Kansas. Early on, he lent his voice to American Legion baseball and Fort Hays State athletics, marking the start of a notable career in sports commentary. His work eventually spanned several decades and included significant coverage for Kansas Athletics and the Kansas City Royals.
For 32 years, Davis passionately covered Kansas Athletics, earning the affectionate title "Voice of the Jayhawks." During his tenure, he narrated the thrills of their 1988 and 2008 NCAA championship victories and six notable bowl games for the football team.
His commitment to sports journalism extended beyond college sports, reaching a national audience through his work with CBS Radio, where he covered the NCAA Women’s Final Four on four occasions.
Bob Davis also dedicated a significant portion of his career to the Kansas City Royals, serving as a broadcaster from 1997 until 2013. This role solidified his stature within both the local and national sports arenas, making his voice synonymous with major sports events in Kansas and beyond.
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self recently commented on Davis's personal and professional legacy. He remarked on Bob's superior skills and his humble, giving nature. His heartfelt tribute echoed the sentiment of many who knew Davis, not only as a broadcaster but as a person.
"Bob was not only superior at his craft but he was also a terrific, humble and unselfish person that gave so much of himself to so many. Our hearts go out to the entire family, especially with his wonderful wife Linda passing just last week."
“Bob Davis was a fantastic announcer and loved KU. I was a new coach [at Kansas] and he helped me immensely. He set the bar for all those I worked with later. He is a KU giant.” This was expressed by former Kansas basketball coach Roy Williams who also coached at North Carolina, highlighting the profound impact Davis had on those around him.
Bob Davis was born in Iola, Kansas, and raised in Topeka. He was a Washburn University alumnus, which laid the groundwork for his future in broadcasting. Over his career, Davis was recognized as Kansas’ sportscaster of the year 14 times and was rightfully inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
His life was also rich outside of the commentary booth. Bob was married to Linda Davis for 53 years, until her passing just a week before his own. Together, they shared a life full of love and dedication, paralleled by his passion for sports broadcasting.
As the sports and broadcasting community mourns, they also celebrate the legacy of a man who was much more than his voice. Bob's long-term broadcast partner, Max Falkenstien, along with countless athletes, fans, and colleagues, have expressed their sadness and admiration for a man who brought so much joy and excitement to listeners.
Bob Davis’s contributions to sports broadcasting have left an indelible mark on the industry. His voice brought life to some of the most thrilling moments in sports, creating memories for fans that will last a lifetime.
As we reflect on his career and life, Bob Davis leaves behind a legacy marked by excellence, humility, and the joy of the game. His voice may have fallen silent, but his impact will resonate for generations to come.
