Thomas Joel Davis

Thomas Joel Davis, age 89, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. He was born on August 3, 1936, in Bradley, Georgia, born to Arthur Jay Davis and Mary (Bazemore) Davis. Thomas attended the University of Georgia, where he played football for a short time. He then played football at ASU in Jonesboro, where he was an All-American linebacker and center. It was there that he met his wife, Myra Gaylene Houck, and they married shortly after. Thomas went on to get his master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Army, receiving two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation. After retiring from the United States Army, Thomas went to work as a realtor and sold real estate in Northeast Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Myra Davis. Thomas is survived by his sons, Jay Davis and wife Elizabeth of Fayetteville, and Chad Davis of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren, Reid Davis, Macy Phillips, Myla Phillips, Cole Davis, and Ashton Davis.

No services are planned. He will be interred at Jonesboro Memorial Park in Jonesboro, next to his wife. To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.