Joseph " Joey " Davis Jr.

Joseph “Joey” Davis Jr., 65, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on March 14, 2026.

After a 13-year battle with cancer, Joseph was born on September 7, 1960, to Joseph and Juanita Davis in Newark, New Jersey. After Joey graduated from Science High School in 1978, he went on to obtain his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in hopes of becoming a truck driver like his father. However, in 1980, an unfortunate event occurred that would forever change Joey’s life.

One evening, Joey’s first cousin came to his family’s apartment in the Stella Wright housing projects, fleeing an abusive boyfriend. After she told her story to the family, she left the apartment, presumably to go next door to her mother’s apartment. Joey, concerned for her safety, got dressed and went after her. He did not find his cousin but instead encountered the boyfriend. A confrontation ensued.

As Joey prepared to fight for his cousin’s honor, he began to take off his jacket. Unbeknownst to him, the boyfriend was armed with a knife. Joey did not see it until it was too late and was stabbed repeatedly. He barely survived the attack and never fully recovered, either mentally or physically. Because of the trauma, he was never the same, and many of his dreams were lost.

In 1984, Joey had a child, Shawn Simmons, with Renee Simmons. The child was diagnosed with nonverbal autism. After these events, Joey fell into a life of crime and drug abuse. After decades of living on the streets and going in and out of jails and rehabilitation centers, he finally got clean in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2010.

He met his first and only wife in a homeless shelter. Although the marriage was short-lived, it brought him a piece of happiness in an otherwise tragic life. They divorced in 2012.

In 2013, Joey was first diagnosed with cancer. After surgery, he made a full recovery, and his cancer went into remission. He eventually secured his own apartment in a senior living facility. He continued to struggle with cancer for 13 years.

The picture above represents the last time Joey felt whole in his life.

Joey was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. (2013) and Juanita (2008); his nephew, Terrell (2003); and his brother, Johnathan “Johnny” (2000). He is survived by his youngest brother, Jeremy “Jerry” Davis; his son, Shawn; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joey will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey, alongside his brother, Johnathan “Johnny” Davis. Flowers may be sent there.

JP Holley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family.