Richard Phillip Davidson

He grew up in Fulton, New York the member of a tight knit family which included 20 Aunts and Uncles and numerous cousins, who frequently got together to enjoy family picnics and barn dances. Richard was very proud of his younger brother David, and was honored to be the best man at his wedding to Aliceanne, and he was thrilled to be blessed over time with 5 nieces. Richard remained close with his extended family by attending annual family reunions after moving to Florida in 1958.

Richard grew up with a strong sense of patriotism, he often told a story about being a young boy and his teacher asking about his nationality-his response was "I'm American" the teacher scolded him and whacked his knuckles for it. He later told his own children "don't ever be ashamed to call yourself an American." He served his country with great pride in the United States Army and was an honored veteran of the Korean War. He loved his country and all that being American represented, Richard loved to collect artwork that included the American flag and the American Bald Eagle, he later used these images to create the logo for his business.

Richard began his career in the sign industry in Syracuse, New York. He continued this path after he moved to Florida working for Artcraft Signs which later became Heath and Company, where he was employed for 35 years. Richard found his passion in this line of work and became the 9th person to have the Florida State Certified Sign Specialty Electrical Contractor license. He was well known throughout the sign industry and lovingly referred to as "Tricky Dicky" he was well respected for his honesty, integrity and hard work. He poured his heart and soul into his job and made many lifelong friends along the way. In 2003, along with his oldest daughter Rebecca and his son Daniel, Richard opened the family business known as Davidson Sign Services, his son Daniel, wife Louise and several of his grandchildren continue this business now in his memory.

Richard met the love of his life, his wife Louise in the Fall of 1959 and they were married on April 23, 1961. They shared the happy times and the sad times, and all the ups and downs of marriage for 53 years. They truly demonstrated to others the meaning of commitment, perseverance, patience, kindness and true love. They were soon blessed with a daughter Rebecca Lynn, a son Daniel Burton and another daughter Darlene Esther. Richard had great pride in his family and took pleasure in passing on family traditions and values. He was truly the Patriarch of his family, teaching his children about honor, patriotism and pride in country. He worked everyday that God gave him the strength to, showing his strong work ethic and sacrifice for his family, he wanted them to have everything they ever dreamed of. Richard and Louise were blessed with 13 grandchildren, Jeremy Clarida, Jordan Clarida and Justin Clarida born to their daughter Rebecca, Dustin Backus and Dylan Davidson their son Daniels children and Jason Davidson, Jeffrey Richard Davidson, Trey Florkowski, Josh Florkowski, Jesse Florkowski, Alexandrea Florkowski, Andrea Florkowski and Jacceb Florkowski born to their daughter Darlene and her husband Ron Florkowski. And 3 great grandchildren Anthony Backus, Wyatt Davidson and Evelynn Backus and a 4th great grandchild due within a month Rylan Davidson. Family meant everything to Richard, he loved each of them deeply and unconditionally. Richard was incredibly important in each of their lives and his powerful influence will live on in all who knew him.

We know Richard is now wrapped in the arms of his loving daughter Rebecca who was taken by cancer in 2006, and they are both free of pain and all the suffering of this world, in the presence of our Loving God.

Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, They simply mean, We will miss you, until we meet again!.