Gordon T. Davis

Gordon T. Davis - Passed away peacefully at his home, after a brief illness while also fighting a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce ( nee Smith) Davis, son Shawn Davis, his brother Harlan (Susan) Davis and sister-in-law Jean Cinkovich (Smith). Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceded in death by his parents Howard and Alma (Bulian) Davis and sister Sally Jo Davis.
Gordon was born in Joliet and was a proud lifelong resident until moving to Shorewood later in life. He was a graduate of Cunningham Grade School, Joliet Township Central where he played saxophone in their national award-winning marching band. In his teen years he went on to play in the Continentals Rock Band and later went on to form the Vagabond Trio with his friends. He graduated from Lewis College with a Bachelors of Science with a focus on Education and a minor in Business Administration and was a member of the Lewis Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
He worked at Chicago Title & Trust during summers before and after college, which is where he met the love of his life, Joyce. They would soon be married and go on to have a son, Shawn. Upon graduation from Lewis, he taught Social Studies to 7th and 8th graders at St. Paul's in Joliet. He was their first Athletic Director and he coached their dominant boys basketball teams during his tenure. He met Bob Basarich the coach for Lockport Basketball, while teaching at St. Paul's. Bob inspired Gordon's love of coaching. Although teaching was his true passion, Gordon transitioned to Chicago Title full time after a short 3 to 4 year tenure at St. Paul's. With a child on the way, economic stability took priority. Gordon steadily worked his way up through the Will County office of Chicago Title, eventually being tapped to run the office as Will County Manager. He was very proud of the fact that he was the first non-attorney to run the office.
He was a past president of the Joliet Noon Lions Club, and also named Lion of the year. He won numerous service awards for mentoring young adults and championing local civic causes. Through Gordon's leadership, contacts and ability to bring in business he successfully led Chicago Title through the recession in the 80's and the company thrived through the 90's and early 2000s. Before a brief retirement. He would go on to being instrumental in starting two additional successful title companies in the area before retiring for good and living out the rest of his days in his dream home, he and his wife had built in 2010.
His true passion was spending time with family and friends, especially his wife and son, who was his ride or die buddy forever. He enjoyed going to cruise nights and car shows with his award winning 1966 Impala Super Sport of which he was the original owner; it is still in the family today. One of his greatest joys was watching his son play baseball, especially when his son's dream of playing for the College of St. Francis became a reality. Gordon's was a life well lived full of friendships, love and cherished memories.
Memorial visitation will be Monday March 3, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd. In lieu of flowers memorials to your local Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Foundations will be appreciated. For more information please visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com or call (815) 744-0022.