Joel W. Davis Joel W. Davis, 87

DOVER - Joel W. Davis, of Dover, ended his journey on this earth Thursday, April 17, 2008. He was 87.

He was born Feb. 28, 1921 ,in Kannapolis, N.C., son of the late Lewis M. and Janie M. Davis.

Joel worked as a salesman for various concerns over his lifetime in the steel and real estate industries.

His wife and family were the most important things in his life.

Throughout his life, Joel loved the outdoors, finding peace and balance in all things natural. He especially loved growing and maintaining fruit trees and grapevines. Given appropriate space, he would create a garden everywhere he lived.

A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1939 to 1944, surviving the attack at Pearl Harbour on Dec. 7, 1941.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his bride of 60 years, Shirley G. Davis; and five sisters, Della Wallace, Minnie Vernon, Estelle Campbell, Dolly Franks and Margeret Fox.

He is survived by two sisters, Annabelle Osborne of Davidson, N.C., and Billie Kerley of Hiddnite, N.C.; one brother, Dean Davis of Fairmont, N.C.; five children, Sheila Jo Davis of Bristol, Va., Joel W. Davis of Dover, Johnny Wayne Davis of Bloomsburg, Pa., Deborah Bosh of Grand Junction, Colo., and Susan R. Davis of Asheville, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the The Church of Christ, Smyrna, where a memorial service will be 6 p.m. today.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on June 9 in the Fort Meyer Chapel.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.