Charles "Lefty" Wesley Davidson, Sr.

Charles Wesley "Lefty" Davidson, Sr.

From what we envision, led by a saxophonist bellowing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” Charles Wesley "Lefty" Davidson, Sr., of Gainesville, Georgia, dashed through Heaven’s gates and into the arms of Jesus and our mama on June 28, 2026, at the age of 85. There is no greater joy or peace than believing in the reunion of his "Beautiful" with her "Gorgeous" and their eternal celebration of lives well lived.

Dad met our mom, Nancy Stanford (Davidson), in the fourth grade, and from that grade-school friendship grew a love story that lasted a lifetime. Married for 61 blessed years, their lives were filled with faith, family, laughter, travel, lifelong friendships, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting. Their steadfast and abiding love, grounded in Christ's love for us, became the foundation of the legacy they leave and to their generations that follow.

Born on June 9, 1941, Dad was the middle son of Edward and Mary Charles Davidson. He grew up in Atlanta, graduated from Southwest High School, where he served as class president, and went on to the University of Georgia. There he served as president of Sigma Nu fraternity for three years, forming friendships that lasted the rest of his life. After graduating from Georgia, Dad began his career with Allied Chemical before joining Exxon, later ExxonMobil. His diligent leadership and affable personality led to promotions that moved our family from Georgia to Ohio, New Jersey, Louisiana, and eventually Houston, where he retired before returning home to Georgia and settling in Gainesville.

Dad had sparkling blue eyes, a mischievous smile, and the most gorgeous head of silver hair for as long as we can remember. He was a preacher at heart with wisdom to dispense, loved to tease, and never met a stranger. One of his signature trademarks was his manicured big toes—painted as the American flag for the Fourth of July, sporting a Georgia "G" during football season, and decorated with a Christmas tree for the holidays—a tradition now proudly carried on by his only son and namesake, Wes.

His greatest joy was his family. He loved being Papa. He adored his grandchildren and was known to keep a cash stash wrapped with a rubber band and a silver cross tucked away so he could slip a few dollars into a grandchild's hand at a tailgate or into the hand of someone who simply looked like they could use a little extra help. It was one of the many quiet ways he showed his love and lived out his belief that we are always called to give to others in both word and deed.

Dad loved Jesus. As a longtime member of Gainesville First United Methodist Church and the Aldersgate Sunday School Class, he lived what he believed. He taught us that Christ should always be the head of our home and reminded us often that "your word is your honor." He never shied away from professing his faith and took every opportunity to witness about contentment. His trait for preaching was passed down from his father before him.

He is lovingly survived and adored by his children, Jaimie Davidson Harrison (Holt), Kelly Davidson Morgan (Heath), and Charles Wesley "Wes" Davidson, Jr. (Mary Frances); his beloved grandchildren, Jordan Harrison Newman (Will), Taylor Harrison Cowart (Clayton), Kelly Holt Harrison Siegel (Andrew), Mary Harris Morgan Rich (Carson), Emma Connell Morgan (Max Wagner), Wesley Stanford "Ford" Morgan, Sarah Warren Davidson, and Charles Wesley "Charlie" Davidson III; and six precious great-grandchildren, with another precious blessing on the way.

He was preceded in death by his beloved and Beautiful Nancy; his parents, Edward and Mary Charles Davidson; his older brother, Edward Davidson, who also passed away at age 85; and his younger brother, Joseph "Joe" Davidson, who entered Heaven on the same date five years earlier.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at Lanier Village Estates WillowBrooke Court. They loved our dad well. They spoiled him, laughed with him, cared for him with tenderness and dignity, and helped fill the lonely space left after Mom's passing. We will always be grateful for the compassion they showed him.

For both Mom and Dad, we are grateful for the lessons they taught us: faith comes first, family is everything, your word matters, and good food and drink, shared with music and dancing, are meant to be savored. To quote Dad in one of his final nuggets of wisdom before he departed, "Let the good times roll!"

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Disabled American Veterans, The Salvation Army, or Meals on Wheels/Hall County. The family will hold a private celebration of life.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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