1/17/1927 – 12/22/2013
Jack Davidson, son of Jack and Leila Davidson, was born January 17, 1927 in Stonewall County “on the banks of the Brazos River” in the same house his mother was born. His sister, Mona, was 13 months old when he was born. Somewhere in those early years Jack became known as “Tony” to his family and friends in West Texas and remains so to this day.
The family was poor but never knew just how poor they were because everyone else seemed to be in the same condition. They used a wagon for transportation until they were able to buy an old Model A Ford when Jack was 9 years old.
After living briefly in Sweetwater, the family moved to work ranches around Fisher County. Mona and Jack started to school at Moody School. When they were in 8th grade the family moved to Divide where Jack later graduated. After his senior trip he moved to Mertzon where he worked on a ranch with his dad and at the local drug store.
In 1945, during World War II, Jack enlisted in the Navy. Since the war was soon over, the only action he saw was in de-commissioning war ships. This enlistment was a life changing event, however, because it gave him access to G-I Bill educational funding.
After a weekend leave trip to visit a friend in Abilene, Jack decided to use his G-I Bill to enroll in Abilene Christian College. At ACC he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, played baseball, was president of his social club (Sub T-16), was vice president of the student body, and met the love of his life, Sue Jane Baucom.
Jack and Sue were married on September 30, 1949. When their first child, Bonnie, was born in 1951, Jack was working for the REA in Roby, Texas. From there they moved to Three Rivers, Texas, where Sue’s parents had ranch land on the Frio River eight miles west of town. Shortly after the move, their second daughter, Suzanne, was born in 1954.
Other than a brief stretch in Corpus Christi (where Jack sold cars), Jack managed and worked the Three Rivers “one-bar-one” ranch for 25 years. But that wasn’t all he did. In addition to ranching, Jack was an Elder at the Church of Christ, served as a Rotary Club member and served on the County Fair board. Over time he also taught Junior High science, became Federal Funds Coordinator for the district, and became Business Manager and School Tax Collector. He and Sue also founded the local 4-H Club chapter and actively supported all sports and other school events.
That twenty-five year stint at Three Rivers ended as a result of a decision by the City of Corpus Christi to dam up the Frio River (which would cover the ranch in water) to supplement the city water supply. When it became obvious that this was inevitable, the family began a three year search for a new home.
That search led them to Hamilton County where they purchased land 3 miles east of town. Their plan was for Jack to just enjoy ranching without having any outside employment. However, it wasn’t long before James Billingsly asked him to partner with him in the real estate business. After Mr. Billingsly’s untimely death, Jack asked Karen Craig to join him as a partner. She agreed and the business became known as “Davidson-Craig Real Estate.”
As was Jack’s tradition, he held several civic positions in the community. Over the years he was a Lions Club member, Interim Hospital Administrator, President of Chamber of Commerce, Church Elder and Foster Home Board member.
Jack made his mark and positively impacted many lives. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Foster’s Home for Children, Stephenville.
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