Jackie Lee Davidson

Mr. Jackie “Jack” “Cobb” “Pops” Lee Davidson, 85, of Brushfork, WV went to be with his heavenly Father on December 11, 2021 after an extended illness.   He was born in Bluefield Sanitarium on July 30, 1936 to Barberie “Skinny” and Lessie Davidson.  He graduated from Bluefield High School in 1955.  He met his future bride that same year, Frances “Frankie” “MawMaw” Patty Minnick and they were married on December 22, 1956.  Following the wedding, Jack began diesel mechanic school in Chicago, Illinois where he and Frankie worked at Bar and Black.  In 1956, Jack and Frankie moved back to Brushfork, West Virginia where he worked for Rish Equipment.  

The apple of Jack’s eye was his three girls.  The first “apple” Catherine Sue “Cathy” “Katie Bird” Davidson was born on December 3, 1957.  The second “apple” Jacqueline Ann “Jackie” “Runt” Davis was born on May 26, 1960.  Many years later the third “apple” Chris-Tenna “Chrissie” “C” Marie Perkins was born on January 13, 1975.

Jack and Frankie built a new home on Littlesburg Road in 1963.  Jack worked in the coal mines in Ashland, WV where he learned the art of operating heavy equipment.  In 1968 he purchased his first piece of construction equipment, a bulldozer and if you knew Jack you know how much he loved a bulldozer.  He and Frankie started Davidson Construction Inc. in 1968, Davidson Mobile Village and Davidson’s (store) in the early 1970s, and Davidson’s Restaurant in 1981.  Jack completed his career working at Swope Construction, Inc. 

During retirement Pops and MawMaw purchased an Ford F-350 and an Airstream camper to start their adventures.   From the bumpy roads of Alaska to the history of Newfoundland they explored new sites on the open road as well as spending the last 21 years as “snowbirds” in Melbourne, Florida. They enjoyed touring the beauty of North America to include Crater Lake, Glacier Park, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Hollywood, Tuscan, the Rockies, Ground Zero New Mexico, Red Wood Forest, Sequoia National Park, Pacific Coast Highway, and Mt. McKinley on their motorcycle; however, they recognized that the most beautiful place was at home in the mountains of West Virginia.

During his lifetime, Jack was a member of Calvary, Edgemont, and Brushfork Baptist Church.  He taught Sunday School and Bible Class throughout his adult life.  For the last ten years he taught a well attended Bible Class in Melbourne, Florida.  His love for the Lord and sharing God’s word was never ending. 

Jack is preceded in death by his parents Barberie and Lessie, brother Jim Davidson, and sister Jane Corey.  He is survived by his sister Jean Farmer, his wife Frankie, daughters Cathy, Jackie, and Chrissie, his son-in-laws Wayne Davis and Eric Perkins, his grandchildren David Orr (wife Samantha), Robin Whelpley (husband Chris), Daniel Orr, Chad Davis (wife Monika), Alexandra Perkins, and Madison Perkins.  As well as his great-grandchildren:  Grayson Orr, Jack Whelpley, Luke Orr, Linden Whelpley, Colton Orr, Matthew Orr, Caroline Davis, Liam “Bear” Davis, and Grady Davis.  

Celebration of Jack’s life will occur on Jack and Frankie’s 65th Wedding Anniversary, December 22, 2021 at 11:00am at Brushfork Baptist Church followed by a time of fellowship and storytelling.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s honor to Hospice of Southern West Virginia (https://www.hospiceofsouthernwv.org/donate) or Brushfork Baptist Church. 

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