Joseph Davis Sr.

GASTONIA - Joe Davis passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. He is reunited with the love of his life, Peggy Long Davis, who predeceased him in 2006.

Joe was a native of Gaston County and son of the late Herschel Joseph Davis and Muriel Rush Davis. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Davis. He is survived by sons Joe Davis Jr. and wife, Dr. Ann Hoscheit of Gastonia, Mark Davis and wife, Suzanne Harmon Davis of Gastonia, and Mike Davis of Char-lotte. He is survived by grandsons Michael & Andrew Davis, and Jacob & Joseph Davis. He is survived by sister, Catherine Davis Holt.

Joe was a graduate of Gastonia High School, the School for Executive Development at the University of Georgia and the Graduate School of Savings & Loan at Indiana University.

He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Edinburgh, Scotland working in the Intelligence Services. While in Scotland, Joe discovered his love of golf that he carried with him throughout life and passed on to his sons and grandsons. He was a fierce competitor on the links and relished his time golfing.

Joe worked in banking over 45 years and helped a number of people buy their first homes. He retired as Executive Vice President at First Federal Savings & Loan, now Bank of America. He retired a second time as Senior Vice President and City Manager for First Carolina Federal now Bank of the Ozarks.

He was a member of East Baptist Church, taught Sunday School and is a Life Deacon.

Joe believed in helping others less fortunate and giving back to his community. He served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Schiele Museum of Natural History, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston. He was a member of the Gastonia Noon Rotary Club, past president of the N.C. Homebuilders Association, and a founding member of the Home Builders Association of Gaston County. He served as president of the A.M. Optimist Club and was a Life Member of Optimist International. He also served on the Gastonia City Council from 1979 - 1985 and was Mayor Pro-Tempore of Gastonia from 1979-1981.

Visitation is Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at McLean Funeral Directors in Gastonia. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at East Baptist Church in Gastonia. Rev. Tim Parker and Dr. Robert Winecoff will officiate. Interment will follow in Gaston Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 1506 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 or to East Bap-tist Church, 114 N. Church St., Gastonia, NC 28054.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Alan Clark and staff at Senior TLC and the staff at Courtland Terrace for their compassionate care and support over the last year.

Condolence messages may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Davis.