Royce Davidson

Donald "Royce" Davidson Sr. of Dallas, NC, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014 at the age of 79, with Alzheimer's, dementia, and heart disease, as well as other complications from diabetes. His wife, Joyce, kept him active and outgoing up until the last month of his life.
Viewing and visitation will be 6-8 pm on Tuesday, August 12 at Sisk- Butler Funeral Home in Bessemer City, NC. A funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Thomas Smith on Wednesday, August 13 at10 am at Firestone Wesleyan Church in Gastonia, NC. A burial will follow the funeral service at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia with full military rites by the US Army Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "Donald R. Davidson Sr. Memorial Fund" at 14144 Walton Drive, Manassas, VA 20112.
He was born in Gainesville, GA on June 13, 1935. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1954 and later received an Associate's Degree from Gaston College.
Royce was married to Joyce Smith Davidson and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 1, 2014.
He was a retired US Army non-commissioned-officer and veteran with 24 years of military service, as well as a retired US Post Office employee with 15 years of service. His military service included assignments from east coast to west, as well as overseas tours in Europe and Asia. After civil service, he explored a range of entrepreneurial sales ventures, but always continued his voluntary public service at a variety of public and private charitable events over the years.
Royce is preceded in death by his parents Erskine and Eva Davidson, his older brother Charles and his grandson Rocky.
He is survived by his wife Joyce; his children: Don (Jr.), Donna and Leigh-Ann and their spouses Loni, Brian and Lee; his grandchildren: Lisa, Kasey, Bri, Cody, Jena Zoey and Haley; his great-grandchildren: Makenna and Cooper; and his older brother Elmer, as well as other family and friends. Also of additional sad note is the death of Royce's older brother Elwyn on Sunday, August 10. Royce will be missed and always loved and appreciated.