David Allen Davidson, Sr.

David Allen Davidson, Sr., age 79, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Henry County Healthcare Center in Paris, TN. Funeral Services will be on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN with Bro. Johnny Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 12 Noon – 2:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

David Allen Davidson, Sr. was born on July 20, 1944, in Wilmington, VT to Lyman E. Davidson and Marjorie Hamilton Davidson. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in Brattleboro, VT. After graduation, he went on to serve as a SeaBees and a Yeoman Chief in the United States Navy for 22 years, where he retired after serving his country faithfully. He received the following Military honors for his service: Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Award 4X, Battle “2” Efficiency Award 2X. Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 3X, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Recruiting Service Ribbon, Marksman-Rifle and Sharpshooter-Pistol.

He loved music, both playing and writing. He enjoyed the adventures of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He watched endless hours of news and golf. He will long be remembered as a Godly man, where he was active in the choir and other ministries of the Olive Branch Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion. You never saw him without a smile, because he loved the Lord and loved life. Family was important to him, and he was well-loved and will be greatly miss by them all.   

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Juanita Faye Davidson of Paris TN; his sons, John Akins, Jr. (Melissa) of Newbern, TN, James Akins (Karen) of Huntingdon Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Terry Akins (Angela) of Paris, TN, Barry Akins (Rosetta) of Murfreesboro, TN, David A. Davidson, Jr. (Melanie) of Newbern, TN; his daughters, Mary Smith (Michael) of Paris, TN and Amber Baker (George) of Newbern, TN and his nephew, Robert Davidson, Jr. and niece, Kelly Davidson. He leaves a legacy of love for his 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman Davidson, Sr. and Marjorie Hamilton Davidson; two brothers, Robert Davidson, Sr. and Lyman Davidson, Jr.; three sisters, Marion Akley, Velma Merrifield, and Kathy Williams and one great-grandchild, Cole Baker.

Pallbearers for the service will be Brandon Akins, Curby Helton, II, Johnathan Akins, William Smith, and Braden Eastep. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Davidson, Jr., Kenneth Green, Michael Smith, Sr., John Akins, Jr., James Akins, Terry Akins, Barry Akins and David Davidson, Jr. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.