Dr. John Richard Davidson

DAVIDSON MOCKSVILLE - Dr. John Richard "Jack" Davidson of Mocksville, North Carolina died Tuesday, January 26, 2010 in Winston-Salem at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center from cancer at the age of 80. He was born in Derby, Connecticut, June 17, 1929 to Leroy Harold and Bertha Kernick Davidson, and was known by his friends throughout his life as "Jack". He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Brown University in 1951, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1966, and a PHD in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech in 1968. In 1951, he began a noteworthy career at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton Virginia with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and continuing on with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from its inception in 1958 until his retirement in 1985. Jack was a lifelong student and teacher of many interests. His interests included music, aviation, aikido martial arts, amateur radio, sharp shooting, and boating. Jack often used these abilities to serve the public. He founded several amateur radio clubs; taught navigation, power squadron boating, and auxiliary coast guard courses; and he practiced and taught the art of aikido. He served with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and often performed community service utilizing his amateur radio skills. Jack was a good friend and loving father. He loved and was proud of his country. He believed that truth and honor have meaning. He lived by example, and had compassion for those less fortunate. Jack was survived by his sons, Eric, Rick, and Jim Davidson; his granddaughter, Valerie Porush; his grandson, Hunter Davidson; and his daughter-in-law, Joanne Davidson and her sons, William, Robbie, and Joseph Dickerson. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010 at The Good Sheppard Episcopal Church in Cooleemee NC. In lieu of flowers, Jack requested donations be made to either the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center or The Good Sheppard Episcopal Church.