Tommy Joe Davis

Services for Tommy Joe Davis, 81, of Grand Saline, are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Bartley Funeral Home, with Bro. Lindsey Ray, Bro. Eddie Paul Stanley, and Austin Davis officiating.

Interment will follow in Corinth Cemetery, Grand Saline.

Tommy Joe passed away March 23, 2026, in Grand Saline. He was born January 1, 1945, in Grand Saline, to Jimmie and Ruth Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Lou (Pierce) Davis; son, Duane Davis and wife Shelly of Whitehouse; daughter, Becky Ray and husband Lindsey of Grand Saline; seven grandchildren, Aaron Ray, Justin Davis, Amanda Burnett and husband John, Keri Davis, Austin Davis, Ashley Curtis and husband Luke, and Tracy Davis; six great-grandchildren, Ariana, Sofia, and Jaxon Ray, Zoe, Adeline, and Briggs Burnett; brother, Melvin Davis; sisters, Sue Kimmel and Billy Splawn; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Raymond Davis and Jimmy Clyde Davis.

Tommy spent most of his career as a master carpenter, retiring as a beloved building trades teacher at Grand Saline High School and Wills Point High School. He guided countless students, many of whom carried his lessons into their own lives and careers.

Tommy sponsored the VICA club at Grand Saline ISD and was a supporter of the Grand Saline High School football program by driving the team bus and filming games.

Earlier in life, he worked as part of the crew that built Interstate 20, and was employed by Sherwin-Williams and Ford Motor Company.

Over the years, Tommy built numerous homes in the Grand Saline area and contributed to construction projects at Bible Baptist Church, Corinth Baptist Church, and Sand Flat Baptist Church. He also served on the Board of Directors of Corinth Water Supply for over 50 years.

A devoted man of faith, Tommy served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Grand Saline and Sand Flat Baptist Church. He also served as music director at Corinth Baptist Church and Sand Flat Baptist Church. Tommy was a proud member of the Grand Saline Masonic Lodge # 1269, where he served as Worshipful Master, and was also a Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Tommy enjoyed spending time with his family, dirt track auto racing, farming, ranching, camping, and water skiing. In his later years, he found great joy in operating his bulldozer, even teaching himself how to do a wheelie on his John Deere tractor.

For over 13 years, Tommy bravely battled cancer, meeting even the hardest days with humor and kindness. He was known for bringing smiles to the faces of nurses, doctors, and caregivers throughout his journey.

He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, granddad, and great granddad. His legacy of love, laughter, and steadfast faith will continue to live on through the generations he leaves behind.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Ray, Justin Davis, Austin Davis, John Burnett, Luke Curtis, and Amanda Burnett.

Honorary pallbearers are Zoe Burnett, Sofia Ray, Ariana Ray, Jaxon Ray, Adeline Burnett, Briggs Burnett, Ashley Curtis, Keri Davis, and Tracy Davis.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, one hour prior to the service.