Carl Edward Davis

Carl was born on August 17, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in nearby Xenia, Ohio. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Science from The Ohio State University. Carl eventually made Athens, Georgia, his home, where he lived for 56 years and raised his loving family.

Carl dedicated 36 years of his career to the Department of Agriculture before retiring. Throughout his life, however, it was not his career that defined him, but the people he loved and the lives he touched.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Davis and Lillian Mae Davis; his beloved son, Gary Lee Davis; and his brother, Kenneth Davis.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Joyce Ann; his brother, Lonnie (Naomi); his son, Brian Edward (Mary); and his three grandsons, Shaun Lee (Michelle), Taylor Edward (Megan), and Mitchell Ryan. He also leaves behind extended family members Avery Burgess (Blaze) and Nolan Smith (Britt), along with eight wonderful great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

Carl never met a stranger. He was known for his warm, loving smile and his genuine interest in everyone he encountered. He had a heart for helping others and was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, friend, or family member.

Carl loved to putter, especially when it involved small engines. He could spend hours talking about them, working on them, and figuring out how to make them run just a little better. Those who knew him will remember not only his mechanical talents, but also his willingness to stop whatever he was doing to help someone else.

Above all, Carl loved his family. They were the most important part of his life, and he took great pride and joy in watching his family grow through the generations. His love, laughter, stories, and ever-present smile will be deeply missed.

Carl leaves behind not only a family who loved him dearly, but countless friends and neighbors whose lives were made better simply because they knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call him husband, father, grandfather, brother, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date in Athens, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Carl’s memory to:

Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital


3599 University Hospital Blvd South


Jacksonville, Florida 32216

Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

6300 Brooks Bartram Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32258

Carl may have left this earth, but the love he gave so freely will remain with his family and friends forever.

Please take some time to share your favorite memory of Carl.