Joe Bryan Davis Jr.

Ishkabehwis

Born September 24,1954 - Died January 16, 2026

Joe Bryan Davis Jr., a resident of Ongiaming First Nation passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Wikwemikong Nursing Home on Manitoulin Island, following a fierce fight with many challenges over the last 4 years.

He was predeceased by his father Joe Bryan Davis, Sr, Winnsboro, Texas, his mother Hazel Lorene Davis, Winnsboro, Texas, his brother Russell Wayne Davis, Lubbock, Texas.

Bryan (known by his family in Texas) was born in Margate, England while his father was stationed over there during the Korean War. Three weeks later they took a ship back to the United States. Bryan lived in several places such as Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia and

Florida and back to Texas and finally landed at his happiest home in Ontario, Canada. He married his lovely wife Lucille and he was warmly welcomed by the Anishinaabe Nation.

He was employed in the Healthcare system in the Maintenance Department for many years, he was also employed at the Childcare Centre in Onigaming First Nation for over ten years.

Bryan went by a couple of nicknames Bronie given to him by his younger sister when she was three and Bry given to him by his wife Lucille.

Bry was a gentle kindhearted man who loved his wife Lucille, very dearly. He adored and was adored by all of his grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by many people his wife Lucille, his daughter Cheryl May, grandchildren Taylor May, Fabian Kelly, pappa’s brat Stacy Amikwan, Brett May, Lennie and Xy Kelly, Shayne May (Jer), Hannah and Landon Geauvreau-Turner, his Sister Debbie McClintock of Honey Grove, Texas, sons William and Shaun Davis, grandchildren Jacob, Juston, Darian, Michelle, Darcie, Christopher and John, great grandchildren Zander and Jacy who he cherished so much. He will be forever remembered by his in-laws Sandra and Tommy Copenace, Alo and Carla, Jokwe, Alfred and Phyllis, as well as several aunts and uncles and cousins and extended family members too numerous to mention.

Greeting Ishkabehwis in the Spirit World will be his daughters Yvonne and Marilyn, his son Chuck, his grandson C.J., his son-in-law Herb May, his sister-in-law Ilene and brother-in-laws Johnson Meekis and Tommy, as well as his mentor Elder Clifford Skead.

He and his friends at the Wikwemikong Nursing Home were known as the 3 Amigos, Ricky Chevier, Gerry Maahs aka Porkchop and Papa (Bry). Porkchop was his very best friend, they made a pact that they would both keep trying and trying to get better even if one of them left.

Joe Bryan Davis was honoured to receive his Anishinaabe name Ishkabehwis from the late Clifford Skead during a ceremony at Ki’eshkitabaaning Midewin Lodge. He earned the name because he loved and helped everyone.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wikwemikong Nursing Home, especially nurses Monica & Loretta, Chief and Council of Ojibway’s of Onigaming First Nation, the Fire keeper’s, cooks and the pallbearers. Thank you to Cory, Debbie and the staff of Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank Island Funeral Home for their care and assistance.

Maajaa'iwewin will be conducted by Mide'kiwenzie from Kieshgitabaaning and his helpers. A wake service will be held at Onigaming Mini Mall in Sabaskong, Ontario, on January 21, 2026, starting at 12:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at Onigaming First Nation in Sabaskong, Ontario, on January 22, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Sabaskong First Nation Cemetery.