Thomas Oran Davidson, a member of the greatest generation, age 90, passed away on Father’s Day, June 19th 2016. Tom was born April 12th 1926, in Decatur and lived there most of his life.
Mr. Davidson was preceded in death by his parents, George Oran Davidson and Susie Whyte Davidson and his wife of 54 years, Hila Jo Drummond Davidson. After the death of Hila Jo in October 2005, he married Betty Keown Davidson, who passed away in April 2015.
Survivors include his sister, Marjorie Holloway; sons, Thomas Neil Davidson (Sherri), John Robert Davidson (Debbie) and Daniel Edward Davidson (Regan); stepsons, John F. Keown (Robin), Gary Keown (Bridget); grandchildren, Blake Davidson (Devon), Ben Davidson (Catherine), John Robert Davidson Jr., Anna Davidson, Matthew Davidson and Scott Davidson; stepgrandchildren, Blake Landry, Jared Landry, Nick Simon, Trent Simon, Ashley Rogers, Rebecca Williams, Katherine Cunningham and Trey Keown.
Additional survivors include four great-grandchildren; three stepgreat- grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews.
Mr. Davidson was a World War II Army Air Corp veterand and graduated in 1949 from Auburn University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He started his career at Wolverine Tube and then worked many years at NASA before retiring in 1985. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Drummond Company, and a faithful member of First Christian Church of Decatur. At First Christian, Mr. Davidson served on or chaired almost every church committee, taught Sunday school and became Elder Emeritus at age 87.
He enjoyed boating on Smith Lake, gardening, yard work, reading, and spending time with family.
Visitation will be Thursday June 23rd, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church of Decatur with services immediately following at noon. The graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. at Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Sipsey with Roselawn Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general fund of First Christian Church, 1701 Carridale St. SW, Decatur, AL 35601.
