Joe "Bud" Davis Jr.

In our eyes, a dad and husband, Joe Davis Jr., age 98, who was present to make sure that we successfully weathered the storms of childhood, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. Married at an early age to Mary Lee Perry Davis, celebrated 71 years of marriage.

He played every type of guitar that you can imagine. He was self-taught and played by ear. While still living in Mobile, Alabama, he played with a gospel group that performed on radio once a month. He loved working on cars until technology found mechanical problems that, for years, he was able to detect by ear. Upon giving up car repair, he gravitated to researching and surfing on the internet! His laptop was with him even during his hospitalizations! His friends started calling him “Doctor Joe” because he would research their illnesses, possible treatments and print his findings to give to them. He made sure to tell them to ask their doctors questions about what he had found. He would sit for hours at his desktop computer and switch to his laptop when he wanted to sit on his balcony soaking up some sun and fresh air!

He was a World War II veteran who was stationed in Germany. While there, he suffered burns to over 30% of his body when an aircraft caught fire while he was doing routine maintenance. Being young and strong, he survived. After many months of recovery, he reunited with his wife, Mary and their young son, Joe Alfred Davis. He and Mary produced nine children, three (Robert, Victoria, and Ruby) who predeceased them.

He was honored at the University of Texas Medical Branch 2024 Veteran Day Luncheon. He was accompanied to the event by his daughter, Paticia Blair, granddaughter, Katura Gilmore, and “niece” Susan Smith. He was surrounded by many friends and well-wishers. He gave a short speech of gratitude and received a standing ovation. He received a proclamation from the Galveston County State Representative Dr. Greg Bonnen and a Texas Flag that had flown over the State Capitol. He did not attend this year due to failing health. Nonetheless, he was still sharp of mind, and quick of wit!

Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; infant son of two weeks, Robert Davis; two daughters, Ruby Davis and Victoria Davis; siblings, Willie James Davis, Theodore Davis, Bernice Howard, Ruby Davis, and Wallace Davis. He is survived by his children, Joe Alfred Davis, Patricia Blair (spouse, Charles), Jerry Davis, Mary Davis, Barbara Davis, and James Davis; grandchildren: LeBarron, Shawn, Jason, Kenny, Nika, Katura, Joseph, Jonathan, Jasmine, and Elizabeth; step-grandchild, Arthur Walker; brothers: Charles L. Davis (spouse Joyce), Fredie Davis, John Davis, and Darrell Davis; sisters, Thelma Davis, Catherine Davis, Dorothy Davis, Martha Davis, and Elsie Davis, nieces: Alma Josey, Doris Baylor, and Gloria Davis Hamilton; nephew: Edward Davis (spouse Wanda); as well as great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, a visitation will begin at 10:00 am at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am.

Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.