John E. Davis Jr., 66, known to his friends as J.D., formerly of Worden, passed away at 4:50pm on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at his residence. He was born on September 19, 1945, in Litchfield, Illinois the son of the late John "Bing" and Unabelle M. (Whitford) Best. He is survived by his lifetime companion Caroline Ann Taylor, one son and daughter in law: Chad and Stephanie Davis of Bethalto and their children: Payton Davis and Piper Davis, one daughter: Kelly Davis and her son: Jacob Werner, two brothers and a sister in law: Charles Davis of Pocahontas, Donnie and Brenda Best of Worden one sister and brother in law: Myrna and Denny Bass of Worden, along with his cat Lily.

He was employed at Olin Corp. as a foreman in the Metallic department prior to his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and was the past president of the Bootleggers Motorcycle Club, camping, boating, and was a former member of the Eagles Aerie #254 in Alton. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved his family and his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 4pm until time of memorial services at 7pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Rev. George H. Humbert Jr. will officiate. Private inurnment will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. 

Memorials are suggested to Nancie's Fancies Animal Rescue, 799 Old St. Louis Road, Wood River, Illinois 62095 or to an educational fund that will be established for his grandchildren and will be accepted at the funeral home.