John William Davidson, 87, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. passed away on March 15, 2012, at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn. John was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on March 24, 1924. He was a 1943 graduate of Gallia Academy High School and a 1949 graduate of Cincinnati College of Embalming. He also served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Mr. Davidson and his family moved to Tullahoma, Tenn. in 1972. During his years in Tullahoma he was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. As a member of the Tullahoma Lions Club, he served as president twice and secretary for several years. He was also a member of the Tullahoma Masonic Lodge No. 262, earning a pin and certificate for 50 years of service to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee. John was also well loved in his community for his work as a funeral director. Following a move to Murfreesboro in 2005, John and his wife, Betty, joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Will and Margaret Davidson, who lovingly raised him; his parents, Emmett and Blanche Deckard Davidson, one brother, Robin, and his wife, Margie.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Davidson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; two brothers, Luther Davidson (Lois) of Washington, W.VA. and Kenneth Davidson (Lena) of Chillicothe, Ohio; two children, Jack (Lynne ) Davidson of Madison, Wis., and Andra (Eddie) Helton of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Scott Davidson and John Davidson of Madison, Wis., Jason (Katie) Hatfield of Sweetwater, Tenn., Kelly (Andy) Moss of Knoxville, Tenn., and Abby (Nathan) Green of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and seven great-grandsons, Isaac and Daniel Hatfield, Andrew, Kyle, and Adam Moss, and Dylan and Easton Green.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Kilgore Funeral Home in Tullahoma, Tenn. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Laird Bryson officiating. Burial and Masonic service will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund or the charity of your choice.