Troy Jason Davidson

1934 - 2017

Troy Jason Davidson Jr. died peacefully at his home with beloved wife by his side on Sunday, October 1, 2017. He was born on August 27, 1934 in DeQueen, Arkansas to Troy Davidson Sr. and Nannie Francis Durham.
Troy is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Dolores Davidson, and his children: Lorna (David), Rhonda (Ron), Brenda, Troy Davidson Jr., Pam, David, Don and Anthony (Suzanne). His son, Leonard, preceded him in death. Troy has 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Troy spent his early childhood in Arkansas until the Great Depression affected his family and they moved to California. His mother would tie a rope around her waist attached to a cotton sack, and pull baby Troy along behind her as she worked in the fields. When Troy was 4 he worked alongside his family, picking peas. Even though he had a difficult start in life, Troy always recalled his youth with happiness, remembering the family singing gospel songs together while his father played the fiddle.
As a youth Troy enjoyed prospecting for gold in the foothills. He also acquired his pilot's license and loved flying. One of Troy's passions was reading. He had a collection of thousands of books, which he would spend hours studying. He was truly a self-educated man and could converse with confidence on many diverse topics.
Troy attended West Coast Bible College in Fresno, CA.
Troy worked at the Bank of America, as a manager of the Milk Depot, and at Metropolitan Life. For over 30 years he worked as a State Farm insurance agent. Throughout his career, Troy valued people the most. He did not only provide insurance and services, but provided a compassionate listening ear. This was truly a gift.
Of all of Troy's activities, his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was the most valuable to him. He served faithfully as a bishop, seminary teacher, Sunday school teacher, counselor in the stake presidency, and for 16 years as Patriarch of the Lodi California Stake. His knowledge and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ was profound and he loved to share that knowledge with others.
Troy met Dolores Tretheway at church. They began a strong friendship on car trips to and from Oakland. In his modest way, Troy said of his first kiss with Dolores, "It was a nice one." They were eventually married and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland LDS Temple. He recently said of Dolores, "I just love being with her at all times."
Troy loved all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his Yorkshire Terrier Muggins. He was a devoted and fun grandpa. The words his grandchildren use to describe him are caring, patient, and tender.
Troy was an eternal optimist, always seeing the good in others. At his passing Troy's unwavering faith gives us the strength to press forward until we get to embrace him again.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers for the past nine months, Claudia, Paula and Marcella. Their compassion and devotion have truly been heaven-sent.
A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1510 W. Century Blvd, Lodi, CA 95240 on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1510 West Century Boulevard, Lodi, CA 95242 at 10 a.m. The LDS Humanitarian aid Fund and 100% of money donated goes to in need of help around the world.