Jerry Olin Davidson

Jerry Olin Davidson, 75, of Nolensville, TN passed away at his home on November15th, 2020. Jerry Davidson graduated from Alabama Christian College, now Faulkner University, Montgomery, AL with a Bible degree in 1967. He received a Master’s Degree in Bible from Amridge University, Montgomery, 1993. Davidson served as a minister in the churches of Christ for 51 years. During his years of ministry Jerry Davidson served as an elder of the church in Fairhope and Summerdale, Alabama where he was loved and respected by all. Davidson met and married the former Linda Frances Williams, McMinnville, TN, while a student at Alabama Christian College. Their united love for the souls of men was exemplified in the desire to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Their first full time work was with the Ault Road church of Christ, Knoxville, TN. 1967-68. From there the Davidsons moved Donalsonville, GA where they worked with the Donalsonville church from 1968-1970. Their first son, Jerry Olin Davidson Jr (Jay) was born during this tenure. In December 1971, family matters necessitated their move to Mobile where they took over the family business to help his elderly mother. They worked in the family business and with the church at Spanish Fort, AL. A brother purchased the family business and the Davidsons devoted full-time work to the church. During this time two other sons, Jonathan Mark and Jeffrey Jerome were born. With a burning desire to work on the mission field the Davidson’s moved to work with the people in San Fernando, Trinidad during 1972-73. Afterwards they returned to Spanish Fort and worked with the church for eight years. In 1981 they moved to Fairhope and Davidson preached for the church there for 25 years. In 1989 Jerry went to Guyana, South America for the first time. His eyes were opened to the great possibilities of spreading the gospel in that area, and he came home and spearheaded a very successful work plan. After his work with the church in Fairhope, the Summerdale church of Christ assumed oversight of the Amerindian work in Guyana, South America. In 2017 his health required him to retire. His love for the Amerindians continued the rest of his life. Jerry and Frances Davidson devoted their lives 28 years to preaching the gospel in Guyana, South America. During this time Davidson set up the very successful Guyana Christian University where area students study for two years and graduate with a Bible degree, becoming ministers for the congregations in the Amerindian villages. Davidson always concentrated his work on the interior of Guyana where more often than not there was no electricity or running water. He purchased pup tents for those traveling with him to sleep in while working on the quarterly campaigns. Baths were taken in the local river. Monthly reports mailed to supporting congregations always gave encouraging information about their work of large numbers being baptized and congregations established. Davidson officially retired June 1, 2018, when the church at Summerdale honored him with a retirement party. Approximately 125 friends, family and fellow missionaries attended. Jerry Davidson was preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Clara Davidson and eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Frances, sons Jay (Dewi), Jonathan (Lori), and Jeff (Melissa) Davidson. Seven grandchildren: Jill, Brookley, Landen, Jeffrey, Jaayla, Jake, and Joy Davidson. Surviving brothers are Robert (Mae), Lamar, Murray (Linda), and sister Mary Sue (Delmas) Whatley. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Jubilee Memorial Gardens cemetery, Daphne, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jerry to: Amerindian Missions at Morrison Church of Christ PO Box 276, Morrison, TN 37357.