Dr. John E. Davidson

Dr. John E. Davidson, beloved husband of Martha Barker Davidson, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, Kentucky.
Born on Wednesday, October 27, 1937, in Asheville, North Carolina, John was the son of the late William Perry Davidson and Gladys Patton Davidson. He pursued his academic career at the University of Tennessee, where he earned his Bachelor's, M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemistry. While at the university, he was a proud and active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. It was also during this time that he met his future wife, Martha, with whom he shared 66 loving years of marriage.
Dr. Davidson began his distinguished teaching career at Eastern Kentucky University, where he served as a professor of chemistry for 35 years. Throughout his tenure, he was honored with numerous awards and recognitions for his dedication to education and mentorship.
Beyond his academic contributions, John was deeply involved in the Richmond community. He was an active member of the Madison County Civil War Roundtable, a board member of the Richmond Area Arts Council, and a member of the Lions Club and the Exchange Club. Dr. Davidson was also honored as one of the oldest members of the University Club at Arlington. A man of strong faith, he served as an elder and choir member at First Christian Church. In addition, John had previously represented First Christian Church on the McCready-Telford Board of Directors.
For 25 years, Dr. Davidson volunteered his musical talents every Sunday morning at Pattie A. Clay / Baptist Health, singing with a group of fellow church members to bring comfort and joy to patients through song-a ministry close to his heart.
Dr. Davidson was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Joshua Childers.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Martha Barker Davidson; his son, Mark Davidson; his daughter, Amy Childers, and her husband, Joe Childers. He was a proud grandfather to Hunter Childers and his wife, Dr. Hayley Childers, and their son, CJ Davidson Childers as well as Brittany Lucas and her husband, Dylan, and their children Kaylee, Trevor, and Hadley. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron Lovell and Phillip Lovell; his sister, Susan Day; and his nephew, Paul Barker, and his wife Pam Barker.
Dr. Davidson will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to education, his community service, his faith, and the music and joy he brought into the lives of others.
A Service of Celebration to honor the life of Dr. John E. Davidson will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 7, 2025, at The First Christian Church with Rev. Patrick Messer and Dr. Glenn Birkett officiating.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 PM Thursday at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to McCready-Telford Foundation or Hospice Care Plus (Compassionate Care Center).
The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.cpcfh.com