Joel Ray Davis, 86, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home. He was born on August 2, 1936, in Athens, Alabama, to Ovilea Jackson and Keiffer Allison Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joanna Raney Davis, of Athens, Alabama, his daughters, Tina Davis Burg (Eddie) and Tammy Davis Sandlin, and his brother Donald Jasper “Dugan” Davis (Judy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Allison Burg Scully (Matthew), James Harold Sandlin, III (Paige), Kathleen Burg Israel (Robert), Anna Sara Brown (Pete), and Margaret Burg Norton (Alex) and his eleven great-grandchildren, Edward Taylor and William Davis Scully, Joel Davis Sandlin, Margaret Mims, Ivy Griffith, Charlotte Davis and Robert Nicholas Israel, Paul Jones Brown, IV, and Alexander Harris, junior, Thomas Jackson and Graham Heatherly Norton.
A lifelong resident of Athens, Alabama, he graduated from Athens High School and attended Athens College. Joel’s first job was at the Hatfield Drive-In working for his in-laws, Margaret and Fred Raney. He worked for Sherwin-Williams Company for 40 years. After retiring on a Friday, he began a second career as a realtor with Christopher Realty the following Monday. Joel continued to sell real estate with Crye-Leike Realtors throughout North Alabama until the age of 84. A man of strong faith, he was a founding member of Central Church of Christ and a member of First Baptist Church in Athens.
Joel enjoyed collecting and restoring classic cars, working in the yard with Joanna, and traveling with Joanna and friends, but, more than anything, he dearly loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who each brought him joy.
His family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers Bertha Frazier and Brenda Johnson and Hospice of Limestone County.
On Sunday, September 25, 2022, a visitation will be held in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Athens at 2:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Children’s of Alabama ATTN: Foundation 1600 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, or Hospice of Limestone County 405 S Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611.
