Joseph Davidson

Joseph (J.R.) Davidson of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully in his home on
December 14, 2017, at the age of 95.
He was born August 14, 1922, in Stella, Arkansas. He is the son of the late Eli and
Agnes (Reeves) Davidson. He is also preceded in death by the love of his life and wife
of 70 years, Fayna (Smith) Davidson, his brother Jim Davidson, his sisters Imogene
Dunn, Meda Calhoun and Lynn Ford.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Nosal of North Little Rock; son, Randy Davidson
(Suzann) of Jacksonville; daughters, Cindy Chapman (Ed) of Jacksonville and Beverly
Kaplon (Pat) of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Rhonda Nosal, Stephen Nosal, Joey
Davidson, Shannon Townsend (Blake), Billy Chapman, Michelle Collins (David), Karen
Chapman, Kevin Chapman, Emily Kaplon and great-granddaughters, Lily and McKinley
Townsend and Erin Chapman, brothers, Don Davidson (Treva), Bob Davidson (Arlene),
sisters, Betty Caraway and Sue Carpenter.
J.R. enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November 1942 and served for the duration of
World War II. He married Fayna on April 27, 1946 after receiving an honorable discharge
from the Army in March.
His first job after the war was as a mechanic for Carter Radiator Shop in Little Rock. He
built a career in mechanical work. After having worked as an airplane mechanic in the
Army and at the radiator shop, he owned a Conoco gas station in North Little Rock
where he specialized in repairing radiators. In 1958, he opened Double D Radiator in
North Little Rock where he worked until he retired in 1984.
J.R. was a charter member of Sherwood First Baptist Church and the Sylvan Hills
Masonic Lodge No. 754
He enjoyed many hobbies, his favorite of which was flying his airplane. He loved taking
people on their first small plane ride and issuing them a "first flight" certificate.
J.R. (Pawpaw) was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family
first. He will be greatly missed but we know we will see him again one day.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jasmine Braithwaite and the staff at the UAMS house
call program and the staff of Kindred Hospice (Dalphine and Heather) for their loving
support and care.
Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice Care, 10800 Financial Centre Parkway,
Suite 380, Little Rock, 72211 or Shriners Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA.
71103-4239.
Visitation will be held December 18, 5-7 pm at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.
Graveside service December 19, 1:00 p.m. Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North
Little Rock