Reflection of Life

John Levi Davidson III, the eldest son of the late John L. and Lousinda Davidson was born on March 9, 1952 in Welch, West Virginia. He was one of six children blessed from this union. His early childhood years were nurtured in Anawalt, West Virginia. His spiritual walk began at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Anawalt. This grounding strengthened his character and prepared him for life, John fought a gallant fight and transitioned peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020. John faced his challenges with grace and dignity and never complained. His spiritual convictions and faithful until the end.

John recieved his elementary and secondary education from McDowell County Schools. He excelled in academics and played football and ran track (especially the 440 Relay). In 1970, John graduated from Gary High School and entered West Virginia State University (WVSU) where he received an associate degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. While there he played football as an outside linebacker.

John served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves and a Corrections Officer with the DC Department of Corrections in Lorton, Virginia. John's destiny was yet to be fulfilled. He was obedient to God and had no idea that his career would lay the groundwork for a life of service and induction into the Heavenly Hall of Fame .

In 1987, John met the love his life, Vivette L. Alexander. John and Vivette Davidson were married in 1992. John and "Vet" (as he called her) raised and nurtured many spiritual children. The Davidsons were passionate about sports (especially football) and enjoyed watching basketball and other sports together, especially on the weekends.

During his career with the U.S. Board of Parole, the Lord planted a seed of ministry in his heart. He stepped out on faith and went into private practice specializing in domestic violence, anger management and substance abuse treatment. This seed grew to become ProjectCan, a Christian-based organization that promoted awareness of domestic violence. John was determined to make ProjectCan a success. He studied all aspects of domestic violence, enrolled in accredited programs to validate his knowledge, and was certified as a domestic violence expert. He understood anger and its effect on community was determined to do something about it.

John was devoted spiritually to ProjectCan. His program gave people hope and he proved that Christian values can be utilized within the criminal justice system to restore wholeness. John made a difference in the lives of the men and women who entered the system as domestic violence offenders. John's work with ProjectCan afforded him the honor of implementing a weekly anger management and domestic violence counseling group at the Prince George's County Correctional Facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The inmates he serviced respected and admired him. John loved the challenge of changing their lives and restoring souls. John also served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Prince George's Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Prince George's County Maryland and was an adjunct instructor for the U.S. Homeland Security Agency.

John devoted his life to the criminal justice profession and in 2000, after 39 years, he retired from federal law enforcement service as a Special Agent for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Board of Parole (Court Services and Offender's Supervision Agency) in Washington, D.C.

John was affectionately known as "John D" to his friends, "Uncle John" to the kids and "Butch" to his family and those close to him. John was a man of character and strength. He had a smile that brightened his pathway everywhere he went. He loved music, especially smooth jazz and oldies but goodies. He also loved spending quality time with family and friends. He was a real jokester and loved children. No child was exempt from the wrath of Uncle John appearing out of nowhere wearing the infamous "ogre" mask. John loved to eat and one of his past-times was preparing good food. His fried fish and fried turkey are well worth honorable mention. Whenever he fried fish, his famous words were "Fish Up!" During the holidays, John would take orders for fried turkeys. He would work all night and sometimes would have as many as 35 fried turkeys or more packaged and ready for pick up.

John loved his experience at WVSU and remained active and devoted to his Alma Mater. He served as the President of the West Virginia State University, National "W" Club, and the Shenandoah Valley Chapter for eight years. John enhanced his support by contributing to the construction of the Monroe Athletic complex. For his generous support to the WVSU yellowjacketnation4life, the John L. Davidson, III Football Office was dedicated in his honor where there are several athletic lockers inscribed with his name. He was also a member of the Bullpen Baseball team established to ensure the continuing legacy of Coach Calvin Bailey.

John was a member of Vash Na Ha Fraternity and remained active as an alumni member. He cherished the "Vash Na Ha Brotherhood" and the friendships he made over the years remained dear to his heart. Many of the experiences he shared remained with him for his lifetime. His friendships with these men, his "Brothers in Arms" stood by him through it all. In 2016, John L. Davidson III was voted a member of the President's Circle at West Virginia State University as a Presidential honoree for his philanthropic recognition and induction into the "Heavenly Hall of Fame." John was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD where he served on the Security Ministry.

John believed in God, family, hard work, community and compassion for his fellow man. He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of 27 years, Vivette L. Davidson; son John L. Davidson, IV (Chantal); daughter Dreama; three sisters Linda Davidson, Nancy Davidson, Gail Davidson, brother Samuel Davidson, two brothers-in-law Charles (Maria), Michael, eight grandchildren (Camille, Michaela, Arianna, Levi, Josiah, Jonah, Jordan, Johannah) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His sister Billie Jean Huff preceded him in death. John was beloved by everyone he met. He was a phenomenal husband, father, brother, friend, co-worker, mentor and a "good man who loved God, his wife, his family and life."

For Additional Information:

Contact Ross-Bluford Funeral Service 301-868-0050