William Hull Davis

William Hull Davis

Services for Hull Davis, 76, are set for 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Corinth. Visitation will be from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm Monday at Trinity Presbyterian Church and from 3:00 pm until service time on Tuesday.

Mr. Davis, beloved Corinth banker for 54 years, died Friday, August 4, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a true and faithful friend to so many in Alcorn County and beyond. He was a true pillar in Corinth’s running community.

Hull was born on October 21, 1946, to Dr. Frank and Theo Davis of Corinth. He was a 1964 graduate of Corinth High School and proud member of the 1963 undefeated “Big 8” Warrior football team. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and graduated with a degree in banking and finance in 1969. Hull was also a 1971 graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking and 1976 graduate of the Banking School of the South at Louisiana State University. At Ole Miss, Hull met the love of his life, Bitsy, whom he married shortly after graduation in 1969.

In 1969, Hull and Bitsy returned to Corinth, where he began his lifelong vocation of helping people meet their needs and achieve their dreams through banking. He was employed by National Bank of Commerce for 28 years, serving as president for 12 years, chief executive officer and member of the board of directors. Hull served as president of Trustmark National Bank in Corinth for one year, after which he formed and organized Commerce National Bank in 1999. He served as CEO of Commerce National Bank (later Commerce Bank) for 11 years and was chairman of the board of directors from the bank’s founding. In his latter years, he was a consistent presence in the lobby of Commerce Bank shaking hands, greeting customers, and rehashing old stories.

Hull dearly loved his community and gave back to it in so many ways. As an Eagle Scout, he was a faithful supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Yocona Area Council, and local scouting. He was a past president and life board member of the Corinth YMCA/Sportsplex, and past president and life board member of the United Way of Corinth and Alcorn County. Hull was a founding member of the CARE Community Foundation and faithful supporter of the Lighthouse Foundation. He was a past president of the Corinth Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Hull’s lifelong philanthropic spirit was recognized and honored by the CREATE Foundation, which bestowed upon him the 2022 McLean Award for Philanthropy.

Hull deeply supported local economic development, having served as past president and board member of the Corinth Alcorn Area Chamber of Commerce, CEO of The Alliance, and chairman of The Alliance Economic Development Council. He received the Spirit of Service Award for outstanding service to The Alliance as well as the Service Appreciation Award for his service as The Alliance CEO.

More broadly, Hull served on the executive board of the Mississippi Bankers Association and as a trustee of the Mississippi School of Banking. He was recognized by the Mississippi Bankers Association for 50 years of distinguished service to banking in Mississippi and was presented the Vocational Service Award by Rotary International for his many years of service to banking in Corinth.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Bitsy Davis; sons Bill Davis (Lori) of Corinth and Frank Davis (Amy) of Corinth; grandchildren William Davis (Addie), Grace Ann Davis, Frank Archer Davis, George Davis, Leland Davis, McTyeire Davis, and Ella Davis; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. and Mrs. Frank Davis, his sister Lynn Davis Anderholm, and his brother-in-law Jim Anderholm.

Pallbearers are William Davis, Frank Archer Davis, George Davis, Leland Davis, McTyeire Davis, Clayton Dennington, John George Archer, and Drew Anderholm. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the board of directors of Commerce Bank.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church of Corinth or the Lighthouse Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialcorinth.com for the Davis family.

Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.