Joe Willie "Jw" Davis

Joe Willie Davis
September 17, 1954 – June 5, 2025
Joe Willie Davis, 70, of South Bend, Indiana, left this life to return to his eternal, heavenly home on June 5, 2025. Joe's devotion to his family and his firm belief in God are what gave him peace and comfort as he departed. He lived a life rooted in hard work, dedication, and deep family values.
Joe was born on September 17, 1954, in Portageville, Missouri, to Ernest and Inez Davis. Joe moved to Indiana and began his working years at New York Blowers in LaPorte. He then began building a proud legacy through 34 years of dedicated service at The University of Notre Dame, from which he retired.
On October 18, 1975, Joe married the love of his life, Bobby Jo, in New Carlisle, Indiana. They relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where together they raised three children. In 1994, Joe gave his life to Christ at New Testament Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Allen Gary Sr. He continued to serve as a devoted deacon under Pastor Steven Barnes. Joe was a devoted father and grandfather, passing down his values, humor, and quiet strength to his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Joe found joy in the simple pleasures of life-attending car shows, laughing with loved ones, and sharing wisdom to his sons, nephews and grandchildren. He was often spotted standing at the kitchen window, sharing a laugh with family outside as they came to visit. Joe's Life was a testament to quiet strength, unwavering love, and the importance of family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Bobby Jo, Who stood by his side thought every season of life. He leaves behind a proud legacy in his two sons: Joe (Demetress) Davis, Tyrone Davis, and one daughter who also served as his caregiver Angela Davis all of South Bend, IN. Grandchildren Alexa (McCauley) Arndt of Garner, Iowa, Claude Neeley III, Tyrone Jr., Tyler, and Trinity Davis, all of South Bend, and Rodney (Britney) Mitchell of Indianapolis. IN. Joe was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, who filled his life with laughter and joy: Phoenix, Noah and Darter Mitchell all of Indianapolis, IN. Emmorie Amadi, Rose Lee, Waylon, and Montgomery Arndt of Garner, Iowa and expecting one great grandson. He shared a close bond with his nephews -Michael, Bryan, and Darrell Davis and Cleaster Kimbrough III – whom he loved like his own. Also surviving are his sisters Maragaret Booker of Michigan City, Delzine Austin and Charlene Peals, both of LaPorte, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and in-laws who all loved him dearly.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Inez Davis, and two brothers, Birch Leon and James Davis.
Funeral services for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Palmer Funeral Homes-West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the start of the services. Graveside service will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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