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Charles Davidson Obituary
DAVIDSON CHARLES H. DAVIDSON, IV (Age 60) Major General US Army (Ret.) Died February 7, 2008, in South Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Davidson; two sons, Charles H. Davidson, V, and his wife, Cari, of Atlanta, GA, and Andrew Davidson of Richmond, VA; a daughter, Fannie Gray and her husband, Tim, of Arlington, VA; and two grandchildren, Theodore and Annelise Gray. He was the son of Sarah Richardson of Richmond, VA, and the late Charles Hyde Davidson, III. Funeral services are planned for today at Wofford College, MG Davidson‘s alma mater. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2007, MG Davidson served as the Deputy Director of Operations for U.S. Central Command in Tampa, FL. Previously he was the U.S. Defense Representative to Pakistan. MG Davidson also commanded the 2nd PSYOP Group in Cleveland, OH, and the 350th Civil Affairs Command in Pensacola, FL. In 2004, he served as the 350th CACOM Commanding General and Director of Civil-Military Operations (C-9), Multi National Forces Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His highest awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Wofford College, c/o Charles H. Davidson, IV, Scholarship Fund, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, c/o Thoracic Research, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Davidson
Guy Hatfield
March 10, 2008
To Sandy's family,
I was very saddened to hear of Sandy's death. I was Sandy's boyhood pal in Ct. Every summer Sandy and his mother would come to stay at Sandy's grandmother's house which was next door to our family home in Devon Ct. We spent many summers just "messin around in boats" on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. I take the credit for encouraging Sandy to enlist in Officers candidate School as I did. Who would know the success that was to happen? I loved Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
sincerely, Guy Hatfield
CSM Doris Harrison Wollett
February 28, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family of MG Sandy Davidson. MG Davidson was in the HQ, 80th Division G3 with me back in the 80's when he was a CPT. I remember him as a loyal and dedicated Soldier who was always a leader but most of all a Soldiers Soldier. We will all miss him.
Steve Shanahan
February 20, 2008
To Sandy's Family:
I worked closely with Sandy in Bosnia when he was a LTC PSYOP Battalion Commander and I was an IO planner. He always lead from the front. He worked harder than others, and maintained the highest standards. I wasn't surprised when I learned that he was promoted to major general. We are all very proud of him and his significant contribution to the security of the United States.
Debra Longmire
February 19, 2008
Dear Mrs. Davidson and Family,
Working with General Davidson on Pakistan issues was an honor and a privilege. He possessed the right balance of professionalism and caring for people, and his representation of the United States in Pakistan was unparalleled. Our hearts reach out to you during this time of sadness.
With respect,
Debra Longmire and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency Team
Garry Beavers
February 19, 2008
It was my privilege and pleasure to serve with General Davidson in Bosnia from 1996-1997. I could always rely on his word to be followed through by action. He made my difficult job easier to perform and I will always regard him as an ultimate professional soldier. I am very saddened with the news of his death. I extend my best wishes and hopes to your family.
Gerd Beyer
February 18, 2008
Dear Mrs. Davidson and family!
I am deeply saddened by his loss.
My thoughts go back to Camp Eagle in late 1996 or early 1997. This time he was LTCol and COM PSYOP Support Element Task Force EAGLE where we met and had good talks in his office. Other remembrances come to me: After our monthly PSYOP conferences in Sarajevo (Residency) we enjoyed Bavarian wheat beer and personal conversation.
Years later he sent an e-mail, he “reported” his promotion to Brigadier General to his retired German friend.
Spring or early summer 2002 in Army Reserve and deployed to Afghanistan I served as Chief InfoOps and PsyOps, HQ ISAF Multinational Brigade Kabul. My friend Sandy sent an e-mail forwarding his best wishes and a contact point to US CIMIC Units in Afghanistan. His message ended with “take care of you!”
I think we'll miss him! He was a dedicated officer and a fine comrade and I shall never forget him!
My deepest sympathy for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.
Gerd R. Beyer, LTColonel PSYOP
German Army (Ret)
Commander CJICTF (PSYOP) SFOR Sarajevo
July 1998-February 1999
David Brigham
February 17, 2008
To General and Mary Alice Davidson:
Sir: It was truly an honor to serve with you and "Team Pakistan" will ensure that the Pakistan-Afghanistan projects we worked on continue to make progress; we won't let you down. Hell of a fight Sir - I'm proud to know you. You still owe me a Wofford Terriers hat and I will collect next time we see eachother. I love you Sir and look forward to serving together again.
Thank you for your leadership, mentorship and guidance; you are an inspiration. God Speed Sir.
Very Respectfully, David E. Brigham, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (AKA Monkey Boy)
Mary Alice: Never have I seen a braver and more dedicated woman. I admire your courage, stamina and ability to keep your cool under the most adverse circumstances. You were a cherished and a wonderful wife, friend and partner. I am proud to know you Ma'am.
My warmest regards, Dave Brigham
Shirley Pierini
February 14, 2008
Mary Alice,
Sandy was dear to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and he was a cornerstone in ASIS. It was a shock to hear this sad news but you and he are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann Etheridge
February 14, 2008
Mary Alice,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, as you are those of so many of us here in Alexandria. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know.
BG Sim Trombitas
February 12, 2008
Mary Alice and Family,
It is with a great sadness and sympathy that I send the condolences of the servicemembers of Special Operations Command Korea on the loss of MG Sandy Davidson. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see him in Tampa before he retired. He was a good man, a good soldier and a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sincerely,
Tina Kent
February 12, 2008
Dear Mary Alice and Family,
My sincerest and deepest condolences on the recent loss of your husband. I will always remember how MG Davidson called soldiers by their first name. How he remembered names like that I'll never know. No matter the rank or position, MG Davidson always had a word or two for any an individual. I feel truly honored that the two of you were able to attend the opening ceremony in Pensacola. It must have been God's will that the two of you were there. He will be missed, you had a great husband.
MSG Tina Kent, 350th CACOM
Jacquie Pittman
February 12, 2008
I was certainly honored to have known General Davidson but for a short while. I will always remember him for his calm and no nonsense demeanor and his sense of humor. A man who enjoyed life and family. The military and the world has lost a good man.
Buck Burwell
February 11, 2008
AEKDB
Slidemouth
Alice Patrick RN
February 11, 2008
It was truly an honor to care for General Davidson during his final days. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary Alice and all your family. May God confort your heart and lift you up during the days ahead.
Kerrye Glass
February 11, 2008
Such an honor to serve with and know such a good man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean Ratty
February 11, 2008
My condolences to the family of Major General Davidson. His passing is particularly disturbing. The General had a unique gift, he understood the strategic environment in which our country is faced. Through that understanding, analysis, and evaluation he articulated operational designs and tactical applications with which we must obtain to defeat our enemies. Making such correlations is both art and science, the dearth of which now, sadly, has one less practitioner.
Tina Beller
February 11, 2008
Mrs. Davidson and family,
I am deeply saddened for the loss of your husband and father. I served honorably under then BG Davidson when assigned to the 350th CACOM in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004. I will always remember his leadership style and his absolute and certain confidence in his troops -- in us. Even as recent as last month in Pensacola, he still tells me with certainty and confidence that I am a success story. At my worst times, MG Davidson has always been a pillar of strength for me both personally and professionally. I will always remember him for that special gift of his and cherish it always. Again, my deepest sympathies. Respectfully, SSG Tina M. Beller
Norm Walker
February 11, 2008
Sandy and I were battalion commanders together in the 80th Division. He was a good friend, a great soldier and a true patriot. We are all better for having known and served with him. I know he has gone to a better assignment. "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus" 2 Timothy 2:3. Sandy was the best soldier of us all.
MSG Mark Fulco
February 11, 2008
It is with heartfelt sadness that I heard of Sandy Davidson's death. I knew him from the 352d Civil Affairs Command. I admired and looked up to Sandy. He was someone who could and would talk to you on a personal level, no matter what rank you were. When his command took over from our command in Baghdad 2004, I will always remember the hug I received from Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will truly miss him.
John Lunday
February 11, 2008
I did not hear about Sandy until Sunday, when another of our Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers informed me. The last time I saw Sandy was at a Wofford football game this fall and I am glad we had a chance to catch up with one another and talk frankly about his situation. I know he put up a valiant fight, because that was his character. All of us in the Wofford community were proud of his accomplishments, but we will especially miss his friendship.
AEKDB
Serena Puckridge
February 11, 2008
Mrs D. My thoughts and prayers are with you. MG D was truely a great man and mentor to both me and my sister. He will be dearly missed.
Kim Langley
February 11, 2008
Sandy was a great soldier and true friend. I am deeply saddened by his loss.
Melvin and Linda Howry
February 11, 2008
Mary Alice and family- Our deepest sympathy for your loss of General Davidson. I proudly served with him in SOUTHCOM and in Iraq. He always showed respeact for his soldiers and valued their input. Our country has lost an able soldier and leader. Linda and I still cherish our New Years deployment dinner with both of you, and I am so glad I was able to see you both at his retirement. Our prayers are with you all and we know that his suffering has ended and he is home.
COL (Ret) Michael Dossett
February 10, 2008
Mary Alice,
It was a pleasure to serve for and with MG Davidson while he was the Commander, 350th CA Command in Pensacola. He was an inspiration to me as a soldier, mentor, and friend. He will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Bruce and Brenda Nolte
February 10, 2008
It was indeed an honor to know and work with Sandy. His contributions and service will be long lasting. We are very saddened by the loss of a good friend and a superb soldier. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Alice and his family.
Nicole Raudez, RN
February 10, 2008
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce and Brenda Nolte
February 10, 2008
It was an honor to know and work with Sandy. His contributions and service will be long lasting. We are very saddened by the loss of a good friend and a superb soldier. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Alice and Sandy's family.
Albert Berlo
February 10, 2008
I"m sadden to hear about his passing. My heart and prayers go out to his family. I served under him for a short period (Jan - Jul 04) in Iraq. I had the opportunity to talk with him a few times and really respected his opinion. He is safe at home with God now. May he rest in peace.
Betsy Moore
February 9, 2008
Dear Mary Alice,
I was so saddened to hear of Sandy's death and have had you in thought and prayer all day. Carol called yesterday evening and told me the news. I had so enjoyed the picture of you both at Christmas but knew his health was not good. I can only imagine how difficult this whole ordeal has been for you and his family. May God's love and strength be with you and all the family in the days ahead. I will be in touch later in the month. Please know I will be praying for all of you. Much love,
Betsy
Michael S. Magill, CFE, CPP
February 9, 2008
Aloha, Sandy. I was sorry to learn of your death. You were so very large in life, and influenced a lot of us at ASIS with your intellect and honesty. God Speed and safe journey.
Betty and Chuck Williams
February 9, 2008
It was an honor and a pleasure to know Sandy. We are deeply saddened by his passing. He gave so much love to his family. He served our country in times of peace and war and for that we will be forever grateful. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Love, Betty and Chuck
Bill Ettinger
February 9, 2008
Mary Alice and family: I feel as though a huge chunk has been ripped out of me. Sandy was truly one of my most precious friends. I can still remember our time in Desert Storm as young Majors as if it were yesterday. Not only was he a close friend but a true mentor to myself and many other soldiers. I will miss him terribly. My prayers and those of my family are with all of you. Yours truly, Bill Ettinger
Patti Courtney
February 9, 2008
You're in my thoughts and prayers this morning.
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