Joseph L. Davis

Joseph L. Davis, 89, of Columbus, died September 8, 2016 at First Community Village, Upper Arlington, OH. Dr. Davis is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Margaret F. Davis; sons Stephen Davis (Susie) and Thomas Davis (Gina), daughter Jane Leach (Donald), grandchildren Emily Lorusso (Vinny), Jenny Taylor (Paul), Gwen Nordman (Matthew), Anna Leach, McKenna Davis, and great grandchildren Davis Taylor, Sophie Taylor and Abigail Nordman. A lifelong educator serving the Denver Public Schools, the Columbus Public Schools, the Ohio Council on Vocational Education and The Ohio State University, Joe is best remembered for his years as Superintendent of the Columbus Public Schools (1977-82). His strong and thoughtful leadership during the initial phase of court ordered desegregation allowed Columbus to be one of the only cities in the country to peacefully implement such a plan. He did much more. During his service as Superintendent he reorganized the school system into middle and four year high schools, closed 50 schools to reduce overhead, expanded special and vocational education, and passed an operating levy - the first to pass in 13 years and accomplished just two years after desegregation. After retirement he served as Executive Director of the Ohio Council on Vocational Education and as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University where he established the national Superintendents Academy. A proud South High Bulldog alumnus and graduate of The Ohio State University (B.A., M.A., PhD), Joe served two tours of duty in the US Naval Air Service and was active in numerous community organizations, including Rotary Club of Columbus (President, 1991-92), Friends of WOSU (President, 1989-91), and Center of Science and Industry. Always articulate and well-prepared, Joe lectured and wrote on education topics throughout the country. He received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to Central Ohio and education, including the American Association of School Administrators Distinguished Service Award, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Award for Civic Leadership, the Columbus Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, the National School Public Relations Association Presidents Award, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award, Bnai Brith/Knights of Columbus/Masons Joint Brotherhood Award and The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Career Achievement Award. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214. Family will receive friends in the parlor at the conclusion of the service. Rev. Bill Gause and Rev. Mary Gause officiating.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hilltop Education Corporation (aka The Hilltop Preschool), 12 S. Terrace Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204 or to the First Community Village Foundation, 1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH 43212. Private entombment. Arrangements by SOUTHWICK-GOOD & FORTKAMP FUNERAL CHAPEL. On line condolences may be made at www.southwickfuneral.com