Joseph L. Davis Jr.

1931 - 2022

Joseph L. Davis Jr.

October 2, 1931 - January 20, 2022

Joseph L. Davis Jr. passed away at his home on Thursday, January 20, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 2, 1931. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Albemarle County, Virginia. Joe attended Meriweather Lewis School where he excelled in baseball and boxing, instilling a lifelong passion for sports. Upon graduation, Joe joined the United States Air Force. He later returned to Charlottesville, where he eventually retired from the American Red Cross.

In various capacities, Joe remained active in sports throughout his life. He umpired Valley League Baseball and high school baseball, coached church baseball teams, and assisted with coordinating little league basketball for the Charlottesville Department of Parks and Recreation. After retiring, he ushered UVA football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse games. He was an avid, lifelong, Los Angeles Dodgers (Brooklyn Dodgers) fan, as well as a loyal supporter of UVA sports.

Joe was a man of unwavering faith. He was a member of Holy Comforter Catholic Church and later, the Church of the Incarnation. Initially, Joe was an Eucharistic Minister, and later he ushered Mass for over 40 years.

Joe loved spending time with his family. His zest for life was contagious. He enjoyed golf, tennis, gardening, chess, bridge, photography, and croquet. Joe will be remembered for his constant laughter, practical jokes, and his willingness to always lend a hand. He was truly one of a kind and left an incredible, lasting impression with everyone he met.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, B. Theresa Davis; his daughters, Catherine M. Davis and Anne D. Welch, both of Charlottesville, Va.; his son, J. Patrick Davis of Richmond, Va.; his son-in-law, Roger L. Sprouse of Charlottesville, Va.; his grandchildren, Shawna S. McCall (Drew) of Alpharetta, Ga., and Patrick R. Welch of Raleigh, N.C.; and his great-grandchildren, Colin J. and Jillian R. McCall of Alpharetta, Ga. Joe also leaves behind many wonderful, first cousins and their families, as well as extended family in Ireland and England.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. Davis Sr. and Helen D. Davis; his daughter, Mary Ellen Sprouse; and his twin brother, John P. Davis.

Joe's family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors loved him dearly, and his legacy will remain with those of us fortunate enough to have shared our lives with him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation. A private interment at Monticello Memory Gardens will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Central Virginia Chapter, 1105 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA, 22911.

Condolences may be shared with the family at hillandwood.com.