Robert Davidson

Robert I. (Bob) Davidson, 86, of Pensacola, died Saturday at his home in Pensacola. Bob was born "Irving Lee Hart" and was adopted at the age of 4 ½ years from an orphanage, "The Foundling Home," in Meherrin County, VA. He was the only son of Gamaliel Bell and Iva Lee Davidson who loved and spoiled him. He often spoke of his wonderful childhood and loving parents. Bob owned a watch and clock repair business at the age of nine years old. Bob attended Pensacola High School where he stayed until he joined the Navy. He was on the Hospital Ship, "Haven," and also went to Hadley Tech Electrical College. He is survived by his wife, of almost 64 years, Martha Evelyn (Harley) Davidson, and three of his four children, Vickie Reynolds Butler and husband William T. (Bill) Butler, Joy Davidson Riggs, and husband, Mark, and Mark Davidson and his wife, Anne, all of Pensacola. His daughter, Deborah E. Davidson, preceded him in death as well as his grandson, Matthew Tyler Riggs. Bob loved being with his family and adored his grandchildren, Michael J. Reynolds and wife, Christina and their children Meghan and Justin, of Pensacola, Christopher A. Riggs and wife, Angela , of Yukon, OK, Tyler Davidson Riggs of Sydney, Australia, Ryan M. Davidson and wife, Rachael, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, April Davidson of Pensacola, Caroline Davidson, and his great-grandchildren, Meghan and Justin Reynolds of Pensacola. Bob (retired) was the owner of Davidson's Electronics, and enjoyed his work where he ran the sound equipment for the former Pensacola Municipal Auditorium, Pensacola High School football games, Pensacola Golf Association, shows at the Pensacola State Fair and the All-Night Gospel Singings in Bonifay, FL. He was very proud of working with many famous celebrities in his career such as Bob Hope, Barbara Mandrell, Elvis Presley, Roy Clark, Roger Williams, Crystal Gayle, Liberace, and many more. He loved anything to do with electronics and sound and would not settle until he felt the sound was perfect. It was a thrill for him to have the opportunity to install sound systems in several area church buildings where his acoustical talent was put to the test. Bob was a member of the Chapel class at Olive Baptist Church when he was well enough to attend. Bob spent the later part of his life living at the University Pines Retirement Center where he enjoyed many friends and all of the staff and workers there who were so very good to him. He especially adored Ron and Charlotte Amerson. Bob was blessed to have two outstanding caregivers, Dawn Edwards and Kris Lewis, who provided not only quality care, but very loving and attentive care. He also spent many months at The Health Care Center of Pensacola after suffering several strokes. We want to thank all of the health care workers there as well for the kindness and extra attention they gave daily to bring him comfort. He especially lit up whenever Sue, Danelle, Stephanie, Steve, Barbara Johnson, and Lenzie came in his room. A private family burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Gulf Breeze, FL. A Celebration of Life service for all family and friends will be Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 3PM in the dining room at University Pines Retirement Center at 8991 University Parkway. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice or your favorite charity. We thank all of our dear family and friends for your outpouring of love during this time.

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