For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16

Bro. Joe Nathan Davis, Sr. was born on December 24, 1938 in Franklinton, La to the late Luther Davis and Vieda Thompson Davis. After the early passing of his mother, Luther later met and married Smiley Dawson Davis who helped raise Bro. Joe. She was really the only mother he knew.
Bro. Joe joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church where he was a faithful member of the church serving as deacon and working on various committees until his health began to fail.
He was a hard worker. He held jobs working in dairy, farming, painting houses, grocery stores and a janitor at Franklinton Primary School. He retired from the school system, but did not stop working odd jobs for different people with a smile on his face.
Joe was never too busy to give kind words of encouragement to others. He loved to play baseball and formed teams for adults and children to help keep them on the right path. Whatever he had, he always wanted to share.
You could not go to his home and he didn't feed you even if you we're not hunger, you had to eat something.
He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 56 years, Lillian Davis of Franklinton, one daughter Debra (Larry) Averhart of Baton Rouge, La, one son Joe Nathan Davis, Jr ( Sheila) of Franklinton, La, four sisters-Elaine Wilson of Franklinton, La., Mercedes Gaines of Oakland, Ca., Alnethia (Latimore) Ball and Ozzie (Lester) Ratliff of New Orleans, La., three grandchildren- Oshodd Averhart of Baton Rouge, La., Jolanda and Jovell Davis of Daphne, Al., three great-grandchildren-Kyla Averhart of Baton Rouge, La., Jalen and Morris Davis of Daphne, Al., four sister-in-laws that he referred to as his sisters-Elaine Conerly, Otheal Wilson, Cora Dykes of Franklinton, La., and Sara "Nett" (Ross) Harvey of Los Angeles, Ca., and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents-Luther Davis and Vieda Thompson Davis, stepmother- Smiley Davis, three brothers- Willie Jay Davis, Bobby Davis, Alfred Dawson, and four sisters- Myrtis Lee Johnson, Emma Lee Davis, Lucille Dillon, and Nancy Handy.
God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were getting harder to climb.
He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered, "Peace, be thine".
The weary hours, the sleepless nights are all passed,
for he has found sweet rest at last.
Visitation will be Friday, July 19, 2013 from 2-5p.m. Family Hour 6-7p.m. at Cook-Richmond of Franklinton, La. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Clifton, La. Interment Mt. Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery.