John Shipley Davidson

John Shipley Davidson was born on the 17th day of September 1937, in Rockwall, Rockwall County, Texas. He passed away peacefully at home on January 31st, 2022, in Crandall, Kaufman County, Texas, with Mari, his adoring wife, by his side. Graveside funeral services will be held at the Crandall Cemetery Saturday, February 5th at 2:00 P.M. with Mark Davidson officiating. Immediately following the service, the family will gather with friends and loved ones at the Rusted Rail Golf Club, 1602 US Highway 175, Crandall, Texas.

John "Johnny" was the second of seven sons born to Tommie Lee Davidson and Flora "Jack" Shipley Davidson and lived most of his youth and early adult years in Crandall, TX.  John was one of the Davidsons boys and remained close to his brothers and families his entire life. John was an avid “Pirate” playing quarterback, catcher, and basketball. After graduating from Crandall High School in 1956, he married his one and only sweetheart, Marilee Hollis, in the First United Methodist Church in Crandall on April 19, 1957. For almost 70 years, Johnny’s and Marilee’s love for each other exceeded anything that could ever be depicted in fairy tales. While growing his family, he continued his education at Henderson County CC, Texas Tech, and earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Southern Methodist University. 

While attending SMU, John began his 45-year career with The Sherwin Williams Co. at the age of 19. Over the course of his career, he held many positions, and promotions led him and his family through many adventures in Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio. One of John's last and longest assignments was returning to be Plant Manager at the Garland Coatings Plant where his career began.  During this time, John and Mari lived in Rockwall where they made many life-long friends.  While contemplating retirement in 1996, John decided to go back to Sherwin Williams Headquarters in Cleveland, OH, to become Vice President of Chemical Coatings.  John was successful in this position and completed his career in 2001. He and Mari retired to a small family farmhouse near Crandall where Mari was born. Over the next years, John and Mari tended their farm and traveled to their 4 children, 10 grandchildren, family, and friends when possible.

During their 64 years of marriage, John and Mari were blessed with a wonderful family, and friends from around the world as their travels took them to several states and foreign countries. John often shared his enjoyment of golf with his three sons and cherished the memories of their golf trip to Ireland in 1999. His fondness of sports included enjoying many Cowboys and Rangers games with his family. This love for sports was overshadowed by his love and devotion to the Lord and his family and friends. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he nourished those relationships every day of his life.  We believe John’s legacy will be observed through these grandchildren and their offspring.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers Tommy Jack "T.J." and Dan Charles Davidson.

Along with his wife of 64 years, Marilee Hollis, he is survived by his sons Brad of Crandall, Russ and wife Shelly of Holladay, Utah, Todd and wife Meg of Austin, and daughter Jennifer and husband John Elzeer of Gotha, Florida.

Grandchildren include Olivia Davidson Jackson and husband David, R.J. and Anna Grace of Utah; Emma and twins John Scott and Lily of Austin; and Lauren, Regan, John David and William of Florida, brothers Ronnie Davidson and wife Betty Ruth of Commerce, TX, Steve Davidson and wife Sally of Lorenza, TX, Ricky Davidson and wife Marsha of Burneyville, OK, Mark Davidson and wife Carrie of Valley View TX, and sister-in-law Joy Butler Davidson of Marietta, OK, as well as, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and host of friends.

The family is deeply indebted to Dr. Jeb Miers for his expert medical care and friendship over the years. 

John was a member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org).