At a young age, he bought his mother a house, a testament to the kind of son he was: selfless, determined, and full of heart. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting at the age of 22, and later continued his service with the Air National Guard, from which he also retired.
Joe passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him just as unconditionally as he loved them.
Visitation will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Phenix City, Alabama. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Bud Passmore officiating. After services, please follow us to Lakeview Memory Gardens, 3800 Hwy 431 North, Phenix City, AL 36867, as we honor his life and legacy.
Joseph served in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Master Sergeant. A man of discipline, brotherhood, and deep community pride, he was also a proud Master Mason for 62 years. Following his military service, he served with the Fort Benning Fire Department from May 10, 1965, until his retirement on April 1, 1985.
His love of hard work began early; his very first job was straightening nails. He worked for the Lee County Highway Department and retired from it as well.
His dedication to public service didn’t end there. Joe was one of the three original founders of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, now known as Smiths Station Fire & Rescue Department No. 1. In 1966, a few neighbors came together and started the fire department with just a milk truck and used telephones for communication. Joe continued serving proudly and stepped back from Smiths Station Fire & Rescue on August 27, 2016, marking over fifty years of selfless dedication.
In 1987, he was honored as Bleecker Ruritan Man of the Year for his commitment to community service. His leadership and heart for others shone brightly during his time as Fire Chief, a role he humbly stepped away from after being diagnosed with melanoma, a battle he bravely overcame. Through it all, he never once complained. His strength was quiet but unshakable.
Beyond his service, he found joy in simple things—farming, hard work, and most of all, family. He made sure those he loved had everything they needed and more. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emma Mae Davis; his mother, Verna Evelyn Davis; his father, Sampson Edward Davis Sr.; his brothers, Ray Lavocie Davis “Cotton” and Sampson Edward Davis Jr. “Spud”; his sister, Eva Nell Mount; and his first grandchild, Ashley Nicole Adcock. We take comfort knowing he is now reunited with them.
Survivors include his daughter, Betty Ann Adcock (Ronald Patrick Adcock), son, Todd Davis, step-daughters, Sue Blake, Connie Cooper, and Corrine Chesser; his son, Todd Davis; grandchildren, “Little” Ronnie Adcock, Paxton Driggers (Jasa Fleming), Kyle Davis, Shane Hildreth, Storm Cooper, Skylar Cooper, Christina Hildreth, and Rachel Chesser; eight great-grandchildren; and his special niece Angie Mount.
His life was one of honor, hard work, and deep love. To know him was to love him and to be loved by him was one of life’s greatest blessings.
We want to thank Columbus Hospice for the great care they gave our father.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
