Joseph Michael Davis

Joseph Michael Davis

February 4, 1952 — November 30, 2025

Joseph Michael Davis, 73, of Brasstown, NC peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 30th, 2025.

He was the son of Curtis and Jeannie Palmer. Michael is survived by his longtime partner of 50 years Randy Waak, Neka (his golden doodle of 8 years), his sister, Janice Herwig, his half brothers and sister, Daniel Palmer, Curtis (Craig) Palmer, and Sandy Fletcher. Since his first show in 1983 Michael Davis had become an internationally known creator of artistic baskets. Michael was considered to be highly experimental: he was the first to apply brilliantly colored hues of enamel and acrylic paints to his baskets, and plexiglass stands. He regularly appended to his baskets a wide range of objects. Among them were pine cone petals, strips of tin, and lobster shells. 

Michael pushed the envelope at every opportunity to create a body a work. Michael double majored in painting and ceramics while earning a BA from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He was awarded fellowships from both Arts Councils in Florida and Georgia, and his work has been shown internationally. Michael's baskets are in several permanent collections, including those in the Smithsonian's American Art Museum, and the Arts Center in Little Rock. In addition, Michael served as president and co-founder of National Basketry Organization NBO for 13 years.

 In leu of flowers, you can make a donation to the family through Cochran/McDaniel Funeral Homes.