John L. Davidson's Obituary
John Laxton Davidson, 93, of Mooresville, peacefully passed away surrounded by his children on August 11, 2023 at The Pines at Davidson. He was born on December 18, 1929 in Statesville, N.C. to Charles Piper Davidson and Jessie Crowson Davidson.
John attended Statesville High School and then Appalachian State Teacher’s College (Appalachian State University) for two years before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served for four years during the Korean War aboard the USS Polaris then returned to ASU to get his degree in Education. John met the love of his life during a snowball fight on campus at ASU and quickly learned that Geri was quite the athlete. John and Geri married in 1956 and moved to Florida to start their teaching careers before moving back to Statesville in 1960. John taught math at Statesville High School for 25 years and went to graduate school at UNC-Charlotte to earn a master's degree in education before retiring in 1985. During his tenure at Statesville High School, John was known for saying things like “there will be no Micky Mousing around in my class”, hence his nickname, Mr. Be-no. He also coached the cross country team at SHS, and later in life competed in the Charlotte Observer marathon.
John and Geri joined the Lake Norman Yacht Club in 1969 and bought a Thistle class sailboat. Over the next 30 plus years, they would compete in Thistle regattas all over the Southeast. John was elected Commodore of LNYC in 1983 and one year he and Geri served as sailing camp directors where John first told his famous "Lake Boll Weevil" story, a tall tale that is still told today at the LNYC sailing camp. They met many lifelong friends who became like family and always cherished their time at LNYC.
Another passion of John and Geri’s was travelling with the Charlotte Austin Healey club. They drove across the country and to Canada with their Healey friends and enjoyed many hours of camaraderie and laughs with that group, especially the Seaside Seven.
John’s father, Charles, was a radio operator in the United States Navy during World War I and John got the radio bug from him. John loved nothing more than spending a few hours early in the morning talking to his “ham buddies.” John took over his father's call sign several years ago. K4TST and W4EQ have signed off for the last time.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Geri Davidson, and his brother, Joe Davidson. He is survived by his sister, Beatrice Weston; his children, Lynn Davidson (Lee Ann), Joe Davidson (Beth), and Margie Davidson (Susan), and his grandchildren, Meaghan Worrell, Suzannah Davidson, Andrew Worrell, Laurie Claire Davidson and Christopher Worrell.
Special thanks go to all the wonderful caregivers and staff at The Pines at Davidson for their loving care of John and Geri, and to the Hospice staff of VIA Health Partners for their invaluable support. These people are angels on earth. And a special thank you to all the friends from LNYC for the visits, books, tomato sandwiches, and treats that they provided John, Geri and the kids during a very difficult year.
A Graveside service will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville at 10 AM October 7.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to VIA Health Partners, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Lake Norman Yacht Club Junior Program.
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