John W. “J.W.” Davis, 98, of Owensboro, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024 at his home. He was born August 8, 1925 in Paradise, Kentucky to the late Othor Randall and Lucy May Staples Davis. He is now residing in Paradise in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. J.W. served with the United States Navy during World War II, where he was in five invasions. He was also called up for the Korean War. J.W. was married to the late Margaret Estes Davis for 70 years and had four children. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true friend and he loved spending time with all of them. J.W. was a founding member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. In his earlier years, he was very active in his church and sang bass in a quartet. He retired from Glenmore Distillery where “Curly” worked for 43 years. J.W. loved to golf, fish, hunt, sing and play the harmonica. He also was an avid UK fan.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Margie Thompson Frost, Howard “Cotton” Davis, Ida Long, Joyce Adams, Willodean Rouse, Bobby Jo Russ, Josie Ruth Frakes, Roy Russ, and James Carter; and his stepfather, Joseph “Job” Russ.
He is survived by four children, John W. Davis Jr. (Harlene), Rebecca D. Long (Bill), Glen “Smokey” Davis (Sheila), and Kenneth R. Davis (Debbie); 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ernestine “Tina” Boone and Velma Carter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.