Obituary of John Paul Davidson

John Paul Davidson passed from this world and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 2, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1953 in Fort Worth Texas. He was 71 years old.

Paul was a loving father, a devoted husband, a caring grandfather, and a faithful son and brother. He had a kind heart and a gentle soul. He was a man of conviction, a humble servant, a loyal friend, and was always there to care for others. But most of all, he loved the Lord with all his heart.

As a youngster, Paul attended Saint Alice Elementary School, which is now known as Holy Family Catholic School. He graduated from Nolan Catholic High School in 1971, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and National Latin Honor Society, and then attended Tarrant County College. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art History from Texas Christian University and soon attained a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas.

From 1972-1982, he was a reference librarian for the Fort Worth Public Library. He had a fascinated love of books and enjoyed being surrounded by friendly readers of all ages.

In 1982, he took the position of reference librarian of the Heritage Room at Tarrant County College. There he served on TCJC Faculty Senate, and volunteered as a newsletter editor for various organizations. In addition to using his vast knowledge of literary resources, he offered his artistic talent to draw a mural of a plesiosaur on the wall of the Heritage Room, the skeleton of which had been discovered and exhumed in Tarrant County. It was one of several murals drawn on the wall, depicting the heritage of Tarrant County. Paul retired from the college in 2010.

Paul had been a walking miracle since age 7, when a tumor was discovered in his brain and his parents were told he might never walk or talk again. He recovered from that surgery, as he did from multiple brain surgeries over the passing years. He never let his restrictions or his headaches get him down or prevent him from living life in Christ to the fullest. He married Cynthia Duncan in 1981 at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth. The couple was blessed with 4 healthy children over the next several years. During this time, Paul enjoyed doing various art projects, oil painting, fossil collecting, coin and stamp collecting, gardening, reading, and dancing. But mostly, he enjoyed playing with and spending time with his kids.

The family had been members of Saint John the Apostle Church, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, then later settled at First Baptist Church of Watauga. Paul’s faith never wavered and his cheerful, courageous spirit shone bright to all those around him. In later years, Paul suffered from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, and Parkinson’s disease. As always, he did not let his health problems discourage him or make him lose his zest for life or his hope in the Gospel of the Lord. As his physical activity slowed down, he initiated, compiled and catalogued a Non-Profit Homeschool Christian Library.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cynthia Davidson, his son Jeff (and Lauren) Davidson, son Michael (and Emily) Davidson, daughter Sarah (and Jordan) Gregory, and daughter Emily (and Ernie) Gray. He was also survived by his mother-in-law Melba Duncan, sisters Charlotte Davidson and Christine Snider, sister-in-law Gay Davidson, seven grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and James Davidson, his brother, Dr. James Davidson, and brother-in-law Curtis Snider.

The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 8, at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church Watauga, 6124 Plum Street, Watauga, TX. 76148.

We ask In lieu of flowers, that all donations be given to The Hydrocephalus Association or the Hope Fund for First Baptist Church Watauga.