Larry Thomas Davidson

Davidson, Larry Thomas
Larry Thomas Davidson, 73, of Chandler, AZ passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2015 surrounded by his three children Larry Jr., Paul and Jennifer. Born in Lexington, OH on December 22nd, 1941, Larry was the sixth of twelve children born to James and Mary Davidson. He graduated from Lexington High in 1959 where he lettered in basketball and entered Ohio State University studying Business Administration. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam in 1965-66 earning a purple heart and silver star for his service. In 1967 he married Diana Gabriel and they had three children Larry Jr. (1968), Paul (1970) and Jennifer (1974). Larry was a specialist in finance and insurance earning a certification as a specialist in employee benefits from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He worked for several large corporations, setting up and coordinating their employee benefits plans, before opening his own office in Scottsdale, AZ in 1988. Throughout the 80's, 90's and 00's he authored articles on finance and benefits and taught at Phoenix College. After retiring, Larry worked as a tax preparer, a job he continued until his final illness. Droll and witty, Larry constantly entertained his family and friends with his jokes and stories. A single remark would bring a whole room to tears with laughter. He loved to read and talk about politics and current events. He was soft spoken and kind hearted with his family and friends He loved animals and cherished the time he spent with his Shar peis, Mia, Norton and Truman. Larry loved his family and his family loved him dearly. His father James, his mother Mary and his sisters Marilyn, Joyce and Sondra preceded him in death. Survived by his wife Colleen, the mother of his children and best friend Diana, children Larry Jr(Rhonda), Paul(Fumi) and Jennifer(Steve), grandchildren Samantha, Tonan, Nina and Yuse, as well by his brothers and sisters Don(Mary), Dean(Sally), and Roger(Gayle), Norma, Shirley(Butch), Carol(Larry), Vicki(Marty) and Karen(Ed) and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial is planned in his hometown of Lexington, OH (2724 Kings Corner Rd.) at noon on October 24th, 2015. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Puppies Behind Bars (training inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans) is most appreciated.