Joseph E. "Joe" Davis, Sr.

FORT MEADE - Mr. Joseph E. "Joe" Davis, Sr., 75, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 at his home of heart failure. Joe was born in Austin, TX on Sept. 17, 1938 and moved to Fort Meade at the age of 2 with his family. He was a lifelong Fort Meade resident, graduating from Fort Meade High School in 1956, earning the honor of senior of distinction. After graduation, Joe graduated from The Citadel in 1960 and went on to become a U.S. Air Force Veteran, holding the rank of Captain upon his separation in the Air Force, and serving his time in active duty in Alexandria, LA and Tripoli, Libya. Joe was an avid car enthusiast, Miami Hurricane fan and booster, and retired as President of Estech Chemical Co. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fort Meade where he served as Deacon Emeritus, choir member, Sunday School teacher and formerly assisted with the youth program of the church. Joe had his home open to a countless number of youth, as he loved to help others that needed that helping hand. He was responsible for having the Ft. Meade Fine Arts Auditorium expanded to its current size, and along with other contributions to his community, Joe served as Mayor of Fort Meade and sat on the City Commission for 25 years. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Davis, Sr. and Ivelo Hall Davis; brothers, William L. "Bill" Davis, Jr. and Richard H. "Dick" Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Audrey Davis, Fort Meade, FL; sons, Ed Davis and wife Melanie, Valrico, FL, and Blake Davis, Fort Meade, FL; grandchildren, Bailey Davis and Cassidy Davis; special devoted niece, April Brown, Fort Meade, FL; and several nieces and nephews. Extended family is common in the Davis household, and among those special extended members is Kevin and Rita Collier and son Drew, all of Homeland, FL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at the First Baptist Church, 307 East Broadway, Fort Meade, FL. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Kenny Slay officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 863-285-8171