Jack Page Davidson's Obituary
Jack Page Davidson passed away at home on October 21, 2018, at the age of 88.
Jack was born in Decatur Illinois, on August 25, 1930, the son of John and Evelyn
Davidson. Jack attended Decatur High School graduating in 1948. Jack earned a
BA in Commerce and Religion from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South
Carolina in 1953 and did post graduate work in transportation law, earning him the
certification and admittance to practice before The Interstate Commerce
Commission and The Federal Maritime Commission, in 1977. He served in the
United States Army from 1953 to 1955 as an Ophthalmic Technician.
Jack married Shirley Joyce Richards in 1953, and together they had five children.
He worked in the field of Transportation his entire life holding various positions
including V.P. Rail Transportation at Consolidated Grain & Barge Company and
also the Naples Terminal Company; as well as V.P. Grain Transportation and
Director Transportation Programs at Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM).
Jack retired from ADM in 1997.
Jack married Shirley Ann Dudley in 1975 and together, late in their lives, they
adopted their great-grandson. Jack was an active member of First Baptist Church
and participated in the music program, as a soloist, singing in the choir and playing
the piano and organ. He served in various capacities at the church including
Deacon, Trustee and Finance Committee member. His faith in Christ compelled
him to serve the community as well as his church. He served as a past Board
Member and Volunteer of Easter Seals, was named State of Illinois Volunteer of
the Year, was a Life Member and past President of AMBUCS and had served on
the Board of Macon Resources. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed antiquing,
gardening, reading, music and helping others.
Jack is survived by his children, Pamela (Robert) Marshall, Patty (Paul) Martin,
Doug (Norma) Davidson, Penny (Mark) Weaver, Susan York and Jacob Davidson,
all of Decatur; and his stepchildren Debbie (Michael) Morlock and Richard
Dudley, both of Decatur. Jack is also survived by numerous grandchildren and
great grandchildren and his best friend, Mike Waltenberger. Jack was proceeded in
death by his parents, his wife Shirley Ann Davidson and stepdaughter Cynthia
Parish.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank our sister Susan, who cared for
our dad over the last two and a half years.
Visitation will be held at Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home Wednesday, October
24, 2018, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at First
Baptist Church of Decatur, October 25, 2018, at 10:00am with graveside services
shortly thereafter at Fairlawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church https://decaturfbc.com and Macon
Resources https://maconresources.org, both of Decatur, IL.
Condolences may be left to Jack’s family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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