Michael Brian Davidson

Michael Brian Davidson

Michael Brian Davidson, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, while receiving hospice care following a brief hospitalization. He was surrounded by the love of his family throughout his final days.

Mike was born on November 25, 1937, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Alice Louise Dunkle and Rupert Rolston Davidson. His childhood took him from Tennessee to Huntington, West Virginia, and later to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he spent his formative years. He grew up with his brother, Anthony, and sister, Janet, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his parents. In time, Mike became the last surviving member of his immediate family.

On July 24, 1961, Mike married Bonnie Hotchkiss, beginning a marriage that lasted nearly 62 years. Their life together was built on love, faith, and steady devotion through every season. Bonnie’s passing on March 20, 2023, was a deep loss, but their bond remained central to Mike’s life until the end.

While working for IBM in Endicott, New York, Mike earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University. He was respected throughout his career for his intelligence, discipline, and strong work ethic.

Those who knew Mike will remember his quiet strength and steady optimism. He lived with integrity, guided by his faith and a sincere effort to follow Bible principles. His kindness was consistent and genuine, shown in the way he treated everyone he met.

Mike’s life was also defined by his love of sports. Basketball was a lifelong passion, from high school through college and into adult leagues. He played with such enthusiasm that his family eventually persuaded him to retire at age 80 for safety reasons. He also excelled in track and field, competing throughout the years up to the Senior Olympics.

He also loved cars and drag racing, especially his 1958 Chevrolet. In his younger years, he and his cousins raced along Ohio country roads, and that playful spirit never really left him. Even later in life, he enjoyed a friendly challenge on the road, much to Bonnie’s amusement.

Mike met Bonnie at the Ohio University Student Union, a chance encounter that became a lifelong love story. He once serenaded her with I Love You Truly outside her window, and from that moment on, he was devoted to her. Their marriage was marked by loyalty, faith, and enduring love.

Together they raised two children, Nancy and Paul, and later welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mike was a steady, proud, and loving presence in their lives.

He was also deeply committed to his faith and served in many capacities in his church communities. While in Chicago he attended Edgewater Baptist and served as a mentor to young people in need. He went there for many years and formed close lifelong friendships. In later years, after relocating to Hot Springs, Arkansas he volunteered at the Christian Clinic. He was involved with organizing and fundraising for the annual Chocolate Festival. He taught Anger Management classes for a number of years, always seeking to offer practical help and encouragement.

In quieter moments, Mike enjoyed reading, golf, and chess, and he found his greatest peace in nature. He loved God’s creation and often found joy in the simple beauty of the outdoors.

Mike and Bonnie shared many joys together—walking, camping, hiking, skiing, traveling, and sitting together on their balcony overlooking the lake. They also shared a love of music and dancing, often admired for the harmony they shared.

Family Reflections from his children, Nancy and Paul:

Some of our fondest memories of his early years are the simple ones. On hot summer afternoons, he would make what he called “white cows”—7 Up with vanilla ice cream—a treat that always brought laughter. He loved ice cream and the excitement of Dairy Queen runs, especially when he would take different routes so we never quite knew if we were really going. We also remember warm evenings at the drive-in, piled in the car with pillows and blankets, watching a double feature until we fell asleep.

We were thrilled when Dad took us to drag races in Endicott, New York, and to air shows. At home, we often watched football together. When he was tired, he invented a game we called “Rock”—he would lie on the floor pretending to sleep while we crawled around him, waiting for the sudden grab of his arm that always made us laugh.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Nancy Bashiri (Nasser); his son, Paul Davidson (Danielle); his grandchildren, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Leland Fitzgerald, and Kaley Davidson; his great-grandchildren, Lilly Hundorf and Dakotah Fitzgerald; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

His life leaves a legacy of faith, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and deep devotion to family. These qualities will live on through the generations he helped shape.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Mike received during his final days. They take comfort in knowing he lived a full and meaningful life, deeply loved and cherished.

Celebration of Life Visitation

Monday, August 3, 2024

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Gross Funeral Home

120 Wrights St.

Hot Springs, AR 71913

(501) 624-1244