Ted Joe Davis Jr.

Ted Joe Davis Jr passed away on March 23, 2026 in his long-time home at age 76. He is survived by his son Neil, daughter-in-law Emily, and granddaughter Zoe. His wife Catherine passed away in the year 2000. Ted leaves behind brothers Michael (Pat Roza) and Alfred (Lisa), step-brother Marc and step-mother Lois.

Ted’s father worked in the oil industry, allowing Ted and his siblings to travel the world. He spent much of his youth in Europe, living and traveling to the United Kingdom and Italy. His family also spent time in southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. During a summer break, Ted and his step-brothers rode Vespas across Europe. After high school Ted worked on a seismic boat off the west coast of Africa. He bought his first car, an MG Midget, with his earnings.

He returned to Houston for college, where he pledged Delta Chi fraternity and met UH Arts Major Catherine Cogswell. As it happened, Ted had seen her art published on a local billboard, but was too shy to make a move. Once Catherine, his Little Sister Sorority Mate, stopped flirting with him and turned to other boys, Ted got the message and asked her out.

A showing of Tora! Tora! Tora! began a relationship and a marriage of 25 years. Their son Neil was born in 1981. The family held together through 1980s oil busts and crime waves, and Cathy’s 13 year battle with leukemia. Ted missed her deeply after her passing in 2000 and remained a caring father and grandfather. He was an AMC Car Club Founder and officer, as well as an N Scale Train Club officianado, hobbies he kept up after retiring as a piping designer from Rohm and Haus.

A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2pm, Celebration of Life at 2pm, burial 3pm, and reception at the funeral home to follow. Formal attire is not required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his train club (Houston N’Crowd c/o Papa Ben’s Train Place), AMC club (American Motors Club of Houston), or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.