R.A. Davidson

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

R.A. Davidson, 91, of Manila, passed from this life Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, at his home. Born in Thida, Ark., he was the son of the late Robert Allen and Laura Jane Bonum Davidson and had been a longtime Manila resident. R.A. began working with his family when they would travel to Michigan to pick apples. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Herman Davis American Legion Post #197 for 66 years. He was the former owner operator of Davidson Exxon Service Station, formerly in downtown Manila. He and his late wife Mabel drove an 18 wheeler as a team for Bush's Canning Company, formerly of Blytheville. He then became the owner/operator of Davidson Trucking Company in Manila until retiring in 2007. R.A. enjoyed hunting, fishing and "piddling around in the shop." He took great pride in his family and community and had been a member of the Manila Masonic Lodge #588 for many years. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his family and friends. R.A. was of the Baptist faith and had attended Bethany Baptist Church in Manila. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mabel Rickard Davidson in 2018; three sons, Dennis Parker, Dave Davidson and James "Jamie" Davidson; and one daughter, Phyllis Stout, as well as his siblings.

Survivors include one son, John Parker of Waco, Texas; one daughter, Lora Kaye Grossman of Galveston, Texas. He also leaves 14 grandchildren, Lora Blakeman (Robert) of the home, Amy Grossman, Chuckie Grossman, Leslie Grossman, Eric "Peanut" Parker, Celess Parker, Angie Parker, Paige Parker, Wendy Roper (Shane), Aaron Stout (Rachel), Megan Daniel (Hunter), Heaven Beck (Jarred) and Victoria Bunch (Daniel); 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Eddie Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery with military honors. Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Herman Davis Legion Post #197. The family will receive visitors Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 at the funeral home. Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com