Dr. Joe David Daugherty

Joe David Daugherty, M.D., 82, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away on May 1, 2025. A dedicated physician, passionate adventurer, and lifelong learner, Joe was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita Ward Daugherty; his daughter, Holly Warren (Dave); his son, David Eric Daugherty (Amanda); and his granddaughter, Lily Elizabeth Warren. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. John Daugherty (Anngel); brothers-in-law Larry Ward and Gary Ward (Joan); and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his three mischievous cats—Jack, Lottie, and Rumpy—and his longtime family friend, Jay Gamble.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Minnie Trout Daugherty; his infant son, Douglas (twin to David); his in-laws, Alvin and Bessie Ward; his brother-in-law, Alvin Ward Jr.; his sister-in-law, Janice Johnson (Maurice); his niece, Susannah; and his half brother, Irby Lagrone.

Joe was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and raised in Little Rock. He briefly lived in Terrell, Texas, before returning to Arkansas. He attended Rightsell Elementary, East Side Junior High, and graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1961. In his youth, he was active at First Christian Church in downtown Little Rock and participated in the Fay Hempstead Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, where he served as Master Councilor and was named State “Flower Talk” Champion—a tribute honoring mothers. He also enjoyed amateur radio (call sign K5IZR) and was involved in Boy Scouts. Later, he became a member of the Pulaski Heights Masonic Lodge.

Joe earned a degree in zoology from the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and played clarinet in the Razorback Marching Band. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his internship at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He then served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force, stationed in Sherman, Texas, and Omaha, Nebraska. He began his family medicine practice in DeQueen, Arkansas, before eventually settling in Jacksonville. There, he practiced medicine for decades alongside his brother, Dr. John Daugherty, and also served in the emergency department at Rebsamen Memorial Hospital. Joe remained board certified and active in his profession until March 2024, stepping away only due to his own health challenges. He was a member of the Pulaski County Medical Society, the Arkansas Medical Society, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Always eager for new adventures, Joe embraced life with curiosity and courage. He became a certified scuba diver, earned his private pilot’s license, and was an avid hiker. He also fulfilled a longtime dream of riding a mule down the steep trails of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River below. He and Anita shared a love of travel and spontaneity—often taking off in their beloved Volkswagen camper following no fixed itinerary.

At the age of 80, Joe enrolled as a student at the University of Central Arkansas to study art—for credit. Joe never lost his joy for life and we will miss his wisdom, dry humor, and the presence that has anchored our family.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, visitation will be begin at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Park Hill Christian Church (4400 JFK Blvd.). Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.