TRIMBLE, Ohio –– Earl Cole Davis, Jr., 95, of Trimble, Ohio, journeyed to Heaven from Lancaster, Ohio on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
Born in Rensselaer, Indiana, on June 30, 1930, he was the son of the late Earl Charles Horseman Davis, Sr. and Hazel Berdina (Cole) Davis. Earl was a 1948 graduate of Jacksonville-Trimble High School where as a JT Cardinal he represented his alma mater as an exemplary athlete in basketball and baseball. After graduation and well into his adult years, Earl enjoyed longevity with his gift and love of sports and athletic competition as a celebrated home-run hitter and center fielder in local and regional men’s softball while also pursuing his passions for golf, pool, and bowling and later involvement as a coach, referee, and team sponsor (Davis Tax Service).
He was an avid stamp and coin collector, a “numbers guy” –– he owned and operated Davis Tax Service for 57 years, from 1968 to 2025 –– and was fond of music of all kinds but especially polka which he loved listening to and dancing along with his late wife Patty.
As postmaster of the Trimble Post Office for 42 years, from 1968 to 2010, Earl was an enduring, friendly and familiar face in his community, serving his neighbors, friends and family in the Village of Trimble. Earl was a lifelong member of the Hocking Valley Parish Disciples of Christ Church in Trimble and a former longtime member of the Trimble Masonic Lodge.
Earl took tremendous pride in supporting his children and grandchildren’s interests and accomplishments, whether in academics, athletics, the arts or humanitarianism, which among his other pleasures included following their careers as Trimble Tomcats, Ohio University Bobcats and as members of the Ohio University Marching 110. Earl was a loving husband of 48 years and a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and cousin. He would often say “No fools, no fun!”, living a full life with an evergreen sense of playfulness and humor.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James Addison Davis, brother Charles (Baby Davis) and sister Coletta (Davis) Buchanan. He is survived by a son, Chuck (Jill) Davis; twin daughters, Sheryl and Sherry Davis; two grandchildren, Casey and Jessa Davis; a brother, Douglas Delano Davis, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Earl’s family will hold a private memorial service and celebration of his life, along with the life of his late wife Patricia Ann (Nye) Davis of 48 years (married on his birthday, June 30, 1967). Arrangements are by the Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville, Ohio. Condolences, as well as fond and loving memories of Earl, may be sent to the family at www.morrisonfc.com or mailed to P.O. Box 155, Trimble, OH 45782.
