Jerry Davis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jerry Judson Davis, age 84, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Freeman West in Joplin.

Jerry was born September 16, 1940 in Henderson, TN, son of the late John Lois Davis and Leathie Mae (Miller) Davis. He grew up in Pekin, IL and graduated from Pekin Community High School. He was owner/operator of Carriage House Reality in Pekin, and Comfort Corner in Pekin. He went to work for McKee Foods which moved him to Webb City, MO in 1984 where he was a District Manager. He retired from McKee Foods in 2006.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Ree Davis.

He married Phyllis (Reid) Morrissey on January 14, 1984 in Joplin, she survives, additional survivors include his daughters from a previous marriage Jeri Lynn Beaver of Pekin, IL, and Jody Davis of Republic, MO. His stepsons Jeffrey L. Morrissey (Arvada) of Springfield, MO, and Jeremy Morrissey (Rebecca) of Joplin. He also has eight grandchildren, Ronnie, Janelle, Kimberly, Jesse, Tim, Dalton, Brooke, and Garrett; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Brenda Franklin (Jerry) of Pekin, and his spoiled feline companions, Lily and Luna.

Jerry was a world traveler, loved to play trivia, never missed an episode of Jeopardy, and always wanted to relax by the pool with a good book and sunshine. He was always up front with his knowledge of many things in life, and always welcomed saying hello to people he met in his travels.

A lover of many animals (dogs, cats, and even squirrels), you could always find some of them in his lap. Even though he never had the privilege of owning one, his favorite animal was a Giraffe. Hence the name of every Giraffe he ever saw, was named “Jerry Giraffe.”

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

The family will receive friends at Revive Church in East Peoria, IL on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a Celebration of Life.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Day Cemetery, Canton, MO with Pastor Robert Finley officiating.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Joplin Humane Society or the T.A.P.S. (Tazewell Animal Protective Society) in Pekin, IL.