Joseph H. Davis

Joseph H. Davis, 89, of Anderson passed way Friday, December 14, 2018 at Countryside Manor following an extended illness. He was born November 19, 1929 in Harrogate TN, in the area where Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia all come together at Cudjo’s Cave. Joseph spent most of his childhood raised by the family of Jack and Emma Baker, who he dearly loved, on their farm in the Valley of Sneedsville, TN. The family moved to Maryland, just outside of Baltimore, looking for work. Joseph started work at a factory where he learned to sew, making duffel bags for the Navy during WWII. After WWII, he came to Anderson 1947. His heart still loved the Great Smoky Mountains and never missed a chance to go back and visit his birthplace, where the family still resides. After various jobs, his experience sewing landed him a position with the Whitlock Company, making seat covers and convertible tops. In 1951 he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served his tour of duty in Germany. On June 26, 1955 he married Donna J. Stinefield, and together they raised their family. In 1968 he went into business for himself, opening Joe Davis Auto Tops and Seat Covers, which he operated until his retirement in 2010. He was an avid NASCAR fan, visiting almost all of the tracks and races. He was a lifetime member of the Anderson Eagles Lodge, Aerie Number 174 and a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #266. He also enjoyed visiting the Third Base Pub, its owners and patrons, and couldn’t miss a day for over sixty years. Joseph is survived by Donna, his wife of 63 years; children, Stephanie (Barry) McGee and Mark Davis; grandchildren, Savanna McGee, Kyle Davis, Electra Young; great-grandson, Xavier and 4 other great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Glen) Cantwell; and brother, Jerry Collins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Retha Collins; foster parents, Jack and Emma Baker; and his daughter, Lisa Young. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory with Robert Stinefield officiating. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery with military honors. The family would like to thank St. Vincent Hospice for their care. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 8:00pm Tuesday at the funeral home.