Ben Davidson

Kathy, Jan, Dana & Vicky,
My sincere condolences. I just now happened across Ben's notice of passing. I will remember him fondly as a huge presence and a kind and gentle neighbor. I used to live down the street from you in Pleasanton on Neal. I babysat for the girls when they were young. My younger brother Greg was always up at the the house playing with the girls... it was like a sports museum of sorts! I remember a time when my brother came home with one of Ben's autographed footballs the girl's had given him... without asking Ben mind you!! The football was returned as soon as he brought it home...my parents understood the significance but the kids had no idea!! If I remember correctly, Ben gave him a replacement momento to ease the disappointment of having to return the football. I have continued to tell this story over the years and still get a chuckle out of it. I am so sorry for your loss and will always have fond memories of Ben and your entire family

Ben, I'm sure a lot of your fans will remember
your surprise role as the doorman/bouncer in Behind the Green Door. Never got close enough to get your autograph but Marilyn's I did. Rod Umino

got a chance to meet Ben in Las Vegas he was a nice guy and enjoyed talking about the home town once a Mule always a Mule god bless you Ben.

Dear Janella Davidson--
I'm your roommate Martin from 678 Haight Street.
I'm so so very sorry for your loss.
seabluetoo@yahoo.com

hey jamie! i'm on fb.
janella (jan) davidson

Good Ben, a life spent helping others-been out of touch with the family, but one of the biggest men I have ever met, and one of the sweetest families ever. Kathy I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch, can't seem to get a hold of Jan-will try calling...my condolences-Jamie Mehan

I sincerely send my condolences to each of you. It is my hope and prayers that this letter will encourage each of your hearts. Although I got to thank Ben personally one day years ago in a restaurant in Santa Cruz I wanted you his family to know how Ben changed my life forever.
I was 17 years in prison here in California. My grandfather was a local deputy sheriff and my cousin a local football star. My dad a good man rearing 6 kids four of which were boys as a single parent. When my parents divorced I internalized my anger until at 13 it began to seep out until it got out of control and I, by my choice ended up in prison at 17 serving a Five Years to Life sentence.
Each night I would sit on my bed with a razor in my hand thinking of suicide. How could I have hurt my dad, disgraced my family and been so disrespectful to the small community that had showed love to our family in so many ways? I didn't want to face life and feared I would never change and only hurt people again. I would say over and over, I have no worth and I have no value I deserve to be dead.
Then one day someone in the prison, Deuel Vocational Institution near Tracy, California said, Ben Davidson and Fred Biletnikoff were coming to visit us. I immediately said they were lying. The only person that would come here would have to be sent by a judge. However, when the day came, they came.
I can't recall a single word either of them said. However what I do remember is, I had never seen a person as big a Ben with such a deep voice. I sat there utterly amazed that two Oakland Raider players were in the gym in the prison speaking to over 1,000 guys. It was a life changing day for me.
I returned to my cell and that night my ritual changed. Instead of saying what I had in the past, I began to say, I MUST HAVE WORTH AND I MUST HAVE VALUE IF BEN AND FRED CAME TO VISIT US. Then I said, "If they think I have worth and value then maybe I should begin living like it." And I did.
I began to attend AA and Creative Dynamics. I completed my high school diploma and began to attend church. It took a while but I began to change internally and experience internal peace, something I never had until I surrendered my life to Christ in that prison because Ben and Fred thought I had worth and value.
I was released after serving almost 5 years in prison. I went to college and graduated, then to grad school where I earned a Masters in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and then earned my doctorate in Leadership. All of this because Ben and Fred took time from their busy schedules to visit a prison to encourage a group of criminals who society had given up on.
May theses few words of tremendous gratitude encourage you and you experience the loss of a great man whose life will never be forgotten by me and my clan. God bless each of you and for you I am praying. - Dr. Samuel M. Huddleston, Author, Five Years to Life

Ben's affect is endless, as even after he is gone, anyone who knew him has learned the beauty of kindness and humbleness by his example. Many people did not know how famous Ben was until the dozens of speakers at the celebration told of his many adventures, accomplishments and good deeds.
I had a lovely plane ride home with Dana and hope to see more of you Davidson's in the future!

Ben was my cousin. I will always remember him. Every time I see him on a movie I reflect on seeing him in Hollywood after attending a church his uncle pastored in North Hollywood. It seems Rexor will never be defeated. My mother,Dona was born the same year as Ben. His father is my grandpas brother. Kathy and family have my sincerest sympathy and love. I've thought of you all my whole life. Ben, happy trails. No one will ever dominate battle of the superstars like you! To me you'll always be Big Ben.

Well now, you will have good times to share with your friend Tom as he has come to join you. Motorcycles, sleeping on the side of the road, helping strangers, scaring some by them just looking at the two of you. Shocking others when you not only spoke fluent Spanish but often in their dialect. We can all hear the two of you laughing now and swaping all kinds of stories.
Heres' to two great men. You will be deeply missed. But still a shinning star!