L. Clifford Davis obit

‘A giant in the struggle for justice’: Fort Worth judge L. Clifford Davis has died at 100

He was not on the list.

Judge L. Clifford Davis, the first Black judge to be elected in Tarrant County and the civil rights lawyer who helped desegregate North Texas schools, has died.

Davis, 100, died Saturday, Feb. 15.

The Tarrant County judge, who was called “a living legend” by his colleagues in the legal profession, was born in Arkansas and received his law degree from Howard University Law School in 1949. He’d applied to the University of Arkansas but was denied admission due to segregation policies. He’s said that is what motivated him to become a lawyer.

After moving to Fort Worth in the 1950s, Davis filed a lawsuit to desegregate the Mansfield Independent School District, followed by Fort Worth ISD.

Davis was named a Tarrant County Legal Legend in October in recognition of his significant contributions to the profession and the community. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 12.

Local and state leaders took to social media Saturday to share what Davis meant to them personally and to the community.

Fort Worth City Council member Chris Nettles called Davis a civil rights pioneer in our nation.

“For 100 years he has served our community with decency and honor,” Nettles posted. “We salute Judge Davis today in his transition from earth to eternal rest. Rest Well Judge.”

Fort Worth Independent School District Trustee Wallace Bridges spoke of Davis’ “profound legacy.”

“We have lost a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving the people and shaping history,” Bridges said. “Thank you sir for your remarkable contributions.”

State Rep. Nicole Collier said that it was Davis who swore her in as a lawyer in 2002.

“His generous sharing of his time and experience played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the law,” Collier posted. “I will always be grateful for the sacrifices he made to ensure that someone like me had a place at the table.”

Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles said in a statement that Davis was “a guiding presence in my journey.”

“Our community, our state, and our nation have lost a giant in the struggle for justice,” Miles said. “Judge Clifford Davis did not merely practice law, he wielded it as a tool to bend the arc of history toward righteousness. With unshakable courage and conviction, he stood in the face of segregation, inequality, and injustice, ensuring that the words ‘life, liberty, and justice for all’ were not just ideals, but realities for generations to come.”

“Through his tireless fight to desegregate schools, his groundbreaking service on the bench, and his mentorship of young lawyers, Judge Davis ensured that the doors he opened would never be closed again,” Miles said. “His life is a testament to what is possible when one leads with faith, purpose, and an unwavering belief in justice.”

In 2002, Fort Worth ISD named Clifford Davis Elementary School after the judge to honor his contributions. Trustee Camille Rodriguez said the board will honor Davis at the Tuesday, Feb. 18 meeting.