Obituary of Joe Merrill Davis

Mr. Joe Merrill Davis of Ariton, AL (the Salem Community) died Saturday evening, November 5, 2011 following a brief illness. He was 81. Funeral services will be 2:00 P. M. Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Salem Baptist Church with Reverend Harold Peters and Reverend Dan Bailey officiating. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 P. M. until 8:00 P. M. Monday evening. Mr. Davis was born in Barbour County on April 20, 1930. He graduated from Barbour County High School in 1948, then served in the United States Air Force. Following completion of his military service, he was employed as an aircraft radio mechanic at Ft. Rucker, AL and later in sales with Liberty National Life Insurance Company for twelve years. Finally, he pursued his life-long passion and enjoyed a career as a successful farmer. In 1974 he was awarded the Barbour County Farmer of the Year Award. Other contributions over the years included his service as Trustee of Pea River Electric Cooperative from 1991 to 2006, member of the Barbour County Farm Services Agency Committee, President of the Barbour County Cattlemen's Association, and Director of Southland Bank of Dothan. Mr. Davis was a lifelong member of Salem Baptist Church where he served many years as Music Director and as Deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex R. and Esther Lavender Davis; and one brother-in-law, William M. (Shot) Fleming. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ruth Stokes Davis of Ariton; three daughters, Gloria Helms (John) of Eufaula, AL, Barbara Lewis (Doug) of Dothan, AL, and Carol Nicholson (Mike) of Brundidge, AL; one sister, Carolyn Fleming; one brother and sister-in-law, James L. and Martha S. Davis; seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Service Information