Saltville, Va.

William Gene Davidson, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Abingdon Health and Rehab.  He was born on October 17, 1936, to the late Jesse and Alene Davidson in North Holston, VA. His beloved wife of 60 years, Stella Louise McAllister preceded him in 2016. In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was also preceded in death by siblings; Eddie Davidson and wife Constance, Louise McElraft and husband Harry, Jackie Davidson and wife Jane; sisters-in-law, Katherine Cox and husband Owen, Elsie McAllister McCready Puckett, wife of the late husband Haynes McCready, Stuart Puckett, Barbara Chapman and husband Bobby.

He was a graduate of Rich Valley High School. He later earned a mechanical engineering degree from International Correspondence School in Scranton, PA. His career in mechanical engineering included research, design and product management working in several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Virginia. He retired from Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership in LaGrange, GA, as Manufacturing Engineer Manager. They moved back home to Saltville, VA. He and Stella loved to travel. They traveled in their motor home across the country with Louise and Harry, their fellow campers. They shared their joy of traveling and camping with grandsons William and James, creating special memories. During retirement they took up golf. His claim to fame was a hole in one at a Florida camping resort where they spent winters. He loved music. He enjoyed local jams and music at festivals. He taught himself to play acoustic and electric guitars. He was proud of his Scottish heritage. He loved the Grandfather Mountain Highland games socializing with Clan Davidson and the music. His faith in our Lord was strong. He raised his family in the North Holston Presbyterian Church where he was Sunday school superintendent for many years and Deacon. He loved socializing with people. Stella often said that he never knew a stranger. He sat in the lobby of English Meadows Assisted living greeting and talking with residents and visitors. He was referred to as the Mayor of English Meadows.

Those left to cherish his memory are children: Alisa Weber, William Gene Davidson Jr. "Bill", bonus child Susan Rivery, Karen Sharp and husband Jim; grandchildren William Weber and James Sharp and wife Ashlyn; great grandchildren Stella and Eleanor Sharp; many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026 at Henderson Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, VA with Pastor Tal Stanley officiating.  Burial will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA.  Music will be provided at the cemetery by Jeff Forrester who is a member of the Abingdon Highlanders.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Joe Johnson, Johnny Pickle, William Weber, James Sharp, Charlie Nutter, and Chris Clear.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL  33131 or to the Chilhowie Methodist Church, 501 Old Stage Road, Chilhowie, Va.  24319.

Online condolences may be made at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the family of William Gene Davidson, Sr.