Reds Spring 1986, Joe with his Mother Irene and brother Paul

He was the only reason I bought the Marietta Times and still continue to purchase it because of Joe.

I couldn't even *type* much less put together a coherent sports article when I started in the Marietta Times sports department as a 16-year-old. Joe Davis showed me everything! Which coaches can be relied on to call in their scores, to which ones have to be dragged out of bed at 2 a.m., who gives the best quotes, where the best seats in the gym is to see the scorers' table, and all the great insider gossip, the list goes on... Work isn't often fun, but football Friday nights with Joe most certainly were.

Paul, Shirley and Family,  We are so sorry about your loss.  Joe was always such a kind person.  We will miss him.
Pam & Scott Morgan

I was so sorry to learn of Joe's death. We worked in the same newsroom for many years as fellow writers for The Parkersburg News. Joe never met a stranger and always had a smile for me as we shared greetings on a daily basis. You get to know your fellow journalists very well when you work an afternoon and evening shift and Joe was a true treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  - Kimberly Busch Scott

I remember the first time I met Joe was at the brand new Belpre Middle School.
Our class started in the new school as fifth graders after our Christmas break. I was waiting for the bus and here was a guy riding his bike from the front of the building down the entrance steps. I thought wow this is a guy who knows how to have fun. Joe had the nickname of "Crazy Joe"among our friends but he was anything but crazy. He did enjoy life and having fun so I guess that is where the name came from. Joe was one of the people on a very shot list of people in my life I considered a true friend. If I needed something I felt Joe would stand up to the task and help me no matter what. The thing that is so telling of his character is I do not ever remember him having hateful words or us having any problems as friends. I think we bonded due to being a couple of the older kids in our class,I turned 54 Oct.2011. Joe and I hung around with the older kids in the class above ours. I think that is how Joe,Ross Warfield(who also passed way too young)and I became very good friends. We were togehter 4-5 days a week during our early teenage and young adult years. In some way now looking back I think we helped each other during those tough years of growing up and supported each other. I remember Joe was so smart in school,music,musicians,sports etc. I'm thankful we had many very fun days togehter fishing,days and nights, along the banks of the Ohio and Little Hocking rivers,playing cards,drinking a few cold ones,socializing around Belpre,going to concerts etc.  I'm sad Joe is not with us anymore but the way I know he was suffering and not able to enjoy life like he would want to I'm conforted to know he is at a better place now. I hope to see him on the other side and I have a loss that will not be able to be filled without Joe.
Sincerely,
Joe's true friend from the Belpre class of 1976.
Greg Baker

I remember my first day as a sportswriter in Parkersburg in the fall of 1981 and showing up at my first game to cover without much of a clue about what to do. Joe Davis was the first person I ran into and I am thankful for that chance meeting. Even though we worked for rival newspapers in the same town, Joe was always very helpful and kind. I remember well our discussing the virtues of the Cincinnati Reds and other sports topics, even after I left the journalism profession for the chemical industry. Joe was a credit to the profession and a great guy at the same time. We don't see many of his type these days. Very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. Condolences to Paul and the rest of the family.
Mark Suek
Parkersburg, WV

I have so many found memories of Joe and his family.  We lived across the street from them and we played together as children.  My favorite was sliding down the hill behind their home on the big boxes and making snowmen in the field. The year we were in kindergarten Joe gave me a kitten as a present for my birthday.  Mrs. Davis was always making treats for us to eat.  Joe was a very kind person and excellent at his job.  My prayers go out to the family.  Peace be with all of you.

Joe was a great guy, he was part of my kids sports as they grew up, MJ in baseball and all the games and heat Joe would sit in pressbox with me and watch every pitch every hit and every win for the Tigers and Legion then as years passed we came back around and he was there for my daughter Jordan in Soccer or softball, I remember he stopped me one day in lot after a soccer game and told me Jordan doing pretty good back there as Goalie, I said thank you Joe from him that ment something to me he saw so many athletic boys and girls. I am sorry to hear Joe has left us but I knew his health was failing, I have a feeling save me a seat Joe Im not far behind we can watch some baseball games together again, Metro, MJ, Jacey, Jordan

I'm very sad to hear of Joe's passing.  I can remember talking to Joe after games as a player at Warren HS and Marietta College as well as at various sporting events over the years after my graduation, Joe always had a way of making you feel special.  He was a great man and will truly be missed by many.  I always looked forward to the articles Joe wrote.  He was a real asset to the local sports scene.  Thanks for the memories Joe!!!  

Shawn Taylor

I can't help but think of the writer Terrance Mann from 'Field of Dreams' when I think of Joe. Especially the giddy excitement in his eyes and shoulder shrugging giggle after a great catch or big hit. We walked the same path, watched the same games, and he always saw something I didn't. Old school sports reporters carry the torch when it comes to bringing a game to life. It's no wonder years on, so many people who never went to the big game ... say... "oh yes, I was at that game, I remember it well." They can thank Joe for the memories. I do as well, because the guy made good radio too when things were slow.
John Wharff 'Voice of the Pioneers' -WMOA Radio

Joe was a great asset to the Marietta sports community and has been truly missed since his health forced him away from the sidelines. He always treated everyone with respect and performed his duties in a professional manner. During my 8 years as the SID at Marietta College, it was hard to find a better sports reporter than Joe Davis. 

Respectively,
Dan May
Former Marietta College SID

Joe will be missed tremendously by the Marietta community. In addition to be a gifted sports writer he was caring and complimentary. While in school I remember seeing Joe working the sidelines be it at a football game, basketball, or baseball. When I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Joe, he made me feel appreciated and respected. In honoring his memory here I hope to repay the appreciation and respect Joe afforded me many times. 

I will miss you Joe. 
Love and prayers for the family and all who knew him.

Joe and I didn't have sports in common — it is widely known that I am not a sports fan. But we found ways to communicate about a lot of different things over the years. Joe was about as big a music fan as he was a sports fan and when I took over our company's entertainment magazine, he would frequently call to see if I knew of any good shows going on. Of course, we also had "the biz" in common. Joe was a gifted storyteller and one of the most likable people you could ever hope to meet. I'm going to miss his unexpected visits and his enthusiasm for his job. Joe was one in a million.

While I was playing baseball at the University of Dayton Joe would call me to check up on me and write articles in the local paper.  His phone calls were always greatly appreciated and often lifted the spirits of a homesick college kid.  Thanks Joe for being such a great guy.  You will be greatly missed!!!!

Jim McCay

Joe made me smile every day I came to work at the Marietta Times. His dedication to his work and his friends and family is an inspiration to us all.

One of the nicest guys in the world. A genuine good soul. Joe, you will be missed by more people than you ever realized.     
Nancy J. McVicar

OBITUARY

Joseph H Davis

January 15, 1958 – January 28, 2012

Schoedinger Midtown

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