DAVID LEE DAVIDSON

David Lee Davidson passed away at the age of 86 on Sept. 17,2021.

He was born in Houston, Texas to Agnes Davidson and Charles Davidson.

David grew up in Beaumont, TX where he developed a passionate interest in the outdoors, nature and camping as a Boy Scout. He graduated from Beaumont High School with honors and as an Eagle Scout. He attended Rice University graduating with a BA and BS in Mechanical engineering. While obtaining a Masters degree he was a Naval ROTC student which lead to serving as an officer and navigator for three years aboard the destroyer USS Gearing.Upon release from the navy he moved to San Antonio and became a young staff engineer at Southwest Research Institute. During this time he met his future wife, Patricia Collinge. He returned to Rice University where he obtained a PhD in Materials Science/Mechanical Engineering.

David returned to Southwest Research Institute in 1968 for a successful and long career in Material Science. He published over 200 technical papers and developed unique research skills using the scanning-electron microscope and stereo imaging. He was known world-wide for his work on fatigue crack analysis. During his busy career he completed two sabbaticals-a year in Rio de Janeiro and Oxford University. He retired after 35 years.

For the last 20 years he and Patricia have focused on restoring a Hill country property, birding trips and summers in Colorado. He served on the board of the Winston School, The Nature Conservancy of Texas and the American Bird Conservancy.

David is survived by his wife, Patricia, of 56 years, and his daughter, Dianna Davidson of Delta, CO and son, Daniel Davidson of San Antonio, TX.

The family wishes to thank VITAS for their hospice care.

Donations in David's memory may be made to the American Bird Conservancy, P.O.Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198.