Wilbur Davis

Smithville – Joel Davis, 70, died on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center. Born on November 1, 1940, in the Turon Community of Itawamba County, he was a son of Katherine Griffin Davis and the late Wilbur Andrew Davis.
Joel was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1959, of Itawamba Junior College, Class of 1961, and Mississippi State University, Class of 1963. He received Masters’ Degrees from Mississippi State University in Guidance and Administration in 1966, and in Physics and Chemistry in 1969. Joel taught in Cobb County, GA (1963-64), Amory City Schools (1964-1970), and Monroe County Schools (1970-1994). After retiring in 1994, he taught Physics and Chemistry part-time at Smithville until 2005.
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Joel was a member of Smithville United Methodist Church where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, on many different committees, was a member of the Men’s Club, and was a member of the Mayflower Group. His life was guided by his faith in God, his family whom he adored, Mississippi State, and all of his students. A loving husband and father, Joel cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandson. Enjoying all things MSU, he was an avid sports fan and a member of the Bulldog Club, the Dugout Club, the MSU Foundation, and the Alumni Club. Joel was passionate about his church, helping others, and reading.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Kathleen Steele Davis, Smithville; daughters, Jennifer Davis Smith (Donnie), Vicksburg, and Elizabeth Davis Simpson (Jason), Drummonds, TN; mother, Katherine Davis, Amory; brothers, Jerry Davis (Sherry), Columbus, and Harry B. Davis, Hamilton; grandson, Connor Davis Smith, Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Marie Steele.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, August 29 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Coggins and Bro. Sammy Washburn officiating. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Tom Carroll, Joel Washburn, Drew Summerford, Mark Morrow, Tim Coker, Phil Prewitt, Scott Morgan, and Stephen Hathcock. Honorary pallbearers will be all former students and his church family.
Visitation will continue until the service hour on Monday.
Memorials may be given to Smithville United Methodist Church, c/o Caroline Barnes, 60027 Gap Rd., Smithville, MS 38870 or to Mississippi State University.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.