Ricky Reynolds Davidson

Colonel Davidson, USAF Retired, passed away unexpectedly in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 17, 2023. He was 87 years old. Ricky was born on August 12, 1935, in Alameda, California, to Floyd and Ruth Davidson. He graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School and spent a year at San Jose State College, before reporting to the U. S. Naval Academy with a Senatorial appointment from California.

As a member of the 4th Company he was a varsity gymnast and loved sailing. His crew, representing the Naval Academy, placed 4th in Class in the 1956 Newport to Bermuda Race in USNA’s 44 foot yawl while sailing through a hurricane. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1958 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

After Flight Training, he was assigned to the first of three Troop Carrier Squadrons in Europe and the United States, flying C-119s and C-130s. He was Honorably Discharged in 1965. Later he joined the US Air Force Reserves for 20 years flying C-124s & C-141s. After promotion to Colonel, he served at the Pentagon and the Federal Emergency Management Administration retiring in 1985.

Ricky spent 30 plus years flying for United Airlines ( father Floyd and brother Barry did also) concluding with the B-747. He was active with the Airline Pilots Association serving on the United Master Executive Council and Chairing one of the National Safety Committees. He earned an Aviation Safety Certificate from the University of Southern California and became an Aviation Accident Investigator. He was awarded the ALPA Presidential Citation for Outstanding Service to fellow pilots and the Public. Retirement from United Airlines came in 1995.

He married his second wife, Linda Elaine Davis, in 1997, in the Air Force Academy Chapel with his two sons and two daughters and his brother in the wedding party.

While living in Colorado Springs, Ricky & Linda usually spent at least three months/year, traveling and exploring, both domestically and internationally. Their Cirrus airplane was a particular joy taking them throughout the United States, Canada, Caribbean and Central America.

In retirement, Ricky was active with several flying and military organizations to include the United Flying Octogenarians.

Ricky is survived by Linda his wife of 26 years, brother Barry, sons Scott and Daniel, and daughters Laura and Tamara, and 8 grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at his inurnment at the Naval Academy Columbarium at a date to be determined.