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Davidson, Gordon Byron,
89, passed away at home on Monday, August 17, 2015 with his family by his side.
He was born on June 24, 1926 to the late Paul Byron Davidson and Elizabeth Franz Davidson. He was a graduate of Louisville Male High School, B.A. degree, Centre College, J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law and LL.M. from Yale University Law School.
Between high school and college, Davidson served as a Midshipman in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II (1944-1946), then as a first lieutenant in the United States Army's JAG during the Korean War from 1952-1954.
In 1954-1955, he served as law clerk to United States Supreme Court Justice Stanley Reed. Despite receiving numerous offers, Davidson turned them down to return to the city of Louisville which he dearly loved where he began his practice with Wyatt, Grafton & Sloss (now Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs) and lasting for more than 55 years.
Devoted to family, his professional career, and community service, Davidson was able to serve effectively as managing partner of one of the region's largest law firms, reside on the boards of directors of more than twenty not-for-profit organizations, and ten for-profit organizations including: Chairman of the Board of Directors - Louisville Chamber of Commerce (now Greater Louisville, Inc.) Chairman of the Board - NKC, Inc. (now Norton Healthcare) Trustee - Centre College, Director - Kentucky Center for the Arts. Davidson was also a past director of the Courier Journal & Louisville Times Co., WHAS, South Central Bell, the Bellsouth Corporation, Hermitage Farm, Inc., DNP Select Income Fund, Inc., and Trans Financial Advisor Funds, Inc.
During his career, Davidson received numerous honors including Louisville's Fleur-de-Lis Award, Kentucky, the Governor's Education, Arts & Humanities Commonwealth Award, Centre College's Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Alumni Fellow Award from the University of Louisville Brandeis Law School. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church.
Additionally, Davidson was a raconteur, a loyal friend, and loved his local community as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geraldine Geiger Davidson, daughter Sally Davidson Rhodes (Marc B. Rhodes), son Stuart Gordon Davidson, and grandson Stuart Gordon Dederer of Richmond, VA.
The family would like express their deep appreciation to his caregivers: Mark Wheeler, M.D., Paul Loheide, M.D., the staff at OneMD, Lynnette & Danell Ramsey, and Ezell Smith.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pearson's 149 Breckenridge Lane Thursday, August 20, 2015 with a private burial to follow.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Gordon B. & Geraldine G. Davidson Endowed Fund for Foreign Study at Centre College, 600 West Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422 or a charitable organization of his or her choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
On August 19, 2015 I wrote in Mr. Davidison's Condolences: "The 'shoes to fill' are size 20s and likely not to be filled. It was an honor to have know Mr. Davidson and his presence among us will be missed - and not replaced." I WAS RIGHT -- THEY HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED IN THE LAST 8 YEARS,
J. Bruce Miller
Friend
August 13, 2023
My father, Albert Steidle went to Melbourne Heights school with Gordon, and Male High School. I am looking at their elementary program- Gordon gave the farewell address! I have a chorus book where my Dad drew cartoons of each of his class mates- I am sure some must be still with us! My Dad passed July 2 of this year. I would love to show you these items. My condolences to you- what a great man!
Linda Steidle Sparrow
1009 Old Cannons Lane
40207
August 31, 2015
How sad to have lost such a unique person. After working at Wyatt for 32 years, I can truly say he was delightful, brilliant, passionate about life, compassionate and had a sense of humor that knew no bounds. The highlight of my career was teaching Gordon how to use a computer. His insistence on putting the mouse on his knee kept us both laughing through the whole session. Each time I think of him, a smile comes across my face. Prayers of peace to his family. He will be missed.
Carol Ogden
August 25, 2015
Gordon was a very special person. I worked at WTC for 14 years and he was always so kind and had a great sense of humor! Rest in peace, GBD. My prayers go out to Mrs. Davidson and the entire family.
Nancy Niemeier
August 20, 2015
You were a great man. You will be missed by all.
Valerie Henkel Siems
August 19, 2015
In memory of my Mother Lucille Hill,(Cee's) and the entire Hill family; I cannot express the profound sympathy in our hearts. Over 50 yrs of my life the Davidson's loving heart has impacted more than one generation of my family. We will continue to pray for the family that we feel apart of. To God be the glory for the life of Gordon B. Davidson.
Pastor Mark D. Hill
August 19, 2015
Gordon was absolutely the VERY BEST! My affiliation with Gordon was while he served as a Director on the DNP Select Income Fund Board. He always treated me with such respect and friendship and how we all loved having him at the meetings and social events. My sincere sympathies to Gerry and The Davidson Family. His sense of humor was delightful and personally, I will always remember what a class act he and Gerry were!
With sadness,
Maureen
Maureen Dalton
August 19, 2015
Gordon Davidson was a giant among us. Unquestionably one of the most effective and brilliant community leaders in my experience. His leadership coupled with unparalleled legal talents establish the immensity of the loss to all who knew and worked with him. The 'shoes to fill' are size 20s and likely not to be filled. It was an honor to have know Mr. Davidson and his presence among us will be missed - and not replaced.
J. Bruce Miller
August 19, 2015
Mrs. Davidson & Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your great loss, as Mr. Davidson was loved and respected by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult period.
James Codell
August 19, 2015
I spent 55 of the best years of my life with this wonderful man. He was my best friend, and my memories are ones that will always be special to me. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Peggy Hoess
August 18, 2015
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