July 29, 1931 - February 4, 2017
Joe was born July 29, 1931 in Los Angeles, CA to Glenn and Dorothy Davis. He was the third eldest of ten children.
The family moved to Plainsburg, CA when Joe was 3 years old. He attended grammar school at Plainsburg and Planada Elementary schools; and Le Grand High School. Sports was his passion and he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. He even managed to find time for the band, playing the trumpet during football half-times, Easter Sunrise services, etc. Joe was honored to be entered into the Le Grand Football Hall of Fame.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1954, he attended San Jose Junior College where he met Shirley, the love of his life, who was a secretary there. They married on November 1, 1957. During the same year Joe went on to work for Lockheed Missiles and Space Division in Sunnyvale, CA as a Jr. Engineer Flight Tester.
Joe later relocated the family to Merced, CA. and worked for the Merced County Fire Dept. as a Dispatcher. He later managed 100 townhomes in Merced.
In 1981 Joe relocated to South Lake Tahoe, where he and Shirley managed the Slalom Inn Motel and Apartments for 1-1/2 years. His favorite job was as a Security Officer at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room, where he greeted guests and assisted a fabulous group of entertainers. He retired in 1999 after working at the Tahoe Seasons Resort.
Over the years Joe was active in the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post #83, the Merced College Blue Devils Board and the Elks Club. He was instrumental in organizing teams for Merced’s Junior Football League.
Joe attended the First Baptist Church in Merced, CA and organized, managed and coached a slow pitch softball team for men and women.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald, Roy and Verne; sisters Jackie Ralls, Gayle Rowe and Dorothy Penner.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley; daughter Debbie Davis; son Joe Davis, Jr.; grandson Gregory Thornhill; granddaughter Desiree Thornhill; great-grandson Lucas Thornhill; sisters Patsy Doughty, Sharon Turner; brother Lyle Davis; many nieces and nephews including great and great-great!
Joe wants to give a special thank you to the very caring and compassionate people of Gentiva Home Health, Gentiva Hospice and to the Neptune Society.
At Joe’s request no service will be held.
Any donations would be appreciated to the Glenn Davis Scholarship Fund, Merced College Foundation, 3600 “M” Street, Merced, CA 95348-2889.