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Richard “Rick” Astin Davidson, 65, passed away at his family home in Cataula, Georgia surrounded by family, friends and his dogs on Tuesday, September 20th.
Services will be held on Wednesday, September 28th, at 2:00 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church: 4026 Macon Road, Columbus, GA.
Rick was born in Columbus, GA on November 29th, 1956, to Charles and Betty Davidson. He was the youngest of three sons.
Rick was a 1975 graduate of Kendrick High School. His work career spanned 47 years starting with Royal Crown Cola at 18. He worked in the Soft Drink, Dairy and Tobacco business and made friendships that lasted his lifetime. He was affectionately known as the Milkman and lastly as the Marlboro man. He made an impact on everyone he met as he was always ready with a smile and a helping hand.
Rick married Pam McMillan, on April 9th, 1983. Together they had 2 sons, Jarrod and Patrick. They have enjoyed 39 wonderful years together traveling, building a home and investing heavily in rescuing the German Shepherd population. He loved his family, his friends, the beach, his saltwater fishing time and Miller time. He especially loved time with his boys and had a yearly tradition of NASCAR at Daytona that always involved the Hooters tent. He was the center of family holiday traditions and would welcome everyone to the party complete with an outdoor redneck kitchen. He showed his love by cooking for you. If you were under the weather, he would bring you either his famous smoked Boston Butt or Ribs with homemade BBQ sauce to help your healing.
Rick is preceded in death by his father, Charles Davidson and brother, Steve Davidson.
He is survived by his mother Betty Davidson, adoring and wonderful wife, Pam, his two sons, Jarrod of Fort Walton Beach, FL. and Patrick of Cataula, GA., brother Mike Davidson, his cousin Matt Davidson and his partner Kennon McCollum of Atlanta, GA, his extended McMillan, Collins and Davidson families and many loved lifelong friends.
Rick loved to laugh and loved life. He didn’t want us to mourn, but to celebrate his life. We ask that you share good stories, watch Alabama football and toast Rick with an ice-cold beer. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
In memoriam, donations can be made to St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4026 Macon Road, Columbus, Ga. 31907.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation – Columbus, and requests that you share a fond memory below.
Lu Bowman says
I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was one of a kind with a giving, gracious, generous heart. He meant a lot to our family. We always called him Captain Rick from our going fishing with him years ago. He will be deeply missed.
Mike Vanyo says
I have known the Davidson family since my times of youth. I have nothing but fond memories to remember. They are the most amazing family and my heart breaks again with another loss.
Leslie Martin says
Rick and my late husband Dennis Martin had been friends many years. I heard many stories about the adventures they all had together. Now they can rejoice with the Lord together.
Slaton Whatley says
Rick and I worked together for 5 years. Our time together was such a treat. We would always spend a majority of our meetings talking about life and the things we enjoyed, then realize we’d actually have to talk about work for a few minutes. He was a special person and one that we will miss working with dearly. We’re grateful for the time we had with him and send our thoughts to his family.
David E Giese says
Rick and I grew up together. We used to play around is the Davidson’s huge back yard off of Buena Vista Road, exploring, cutting up, typical child stuff. He loved his 2 dogs Hobo and Sheppy. Our families were very close. Betty is my Godmother. Rick was a pure, honest, Christian man who never complained, even when he was ill. We vacationed together in Panama City and always had a great time. They had built a miniature go-kart track in the backyard and we would zoom around there for hours. One of the finest human beings ever to grace this earth. I know he is now with Jesus, which is something to celebrate. I pray that the family will be comforted in this difficult time.
Russ. Tabb says
I met Rick the first time @ Dairy Fresh milk Co. We both had a story to tell and done tons of food shows, golf outings etc. Rick loved the ice cream side of the dairy business and on several occasions when i would run into him in Dothan, he would tell me to get some ice cream for my kids. He was the kind of man that him and i could drinks several cups of coffee and solve the problems of the world.
A great man and someone i dearly loved working with.
He will be greatly missed.
Jon Davidson says
Betty and family, so very sorry to read that Rick had passed. My deepest sympathy.
Mark Satterwhite says
Dear Davidson’s,
I was so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I have a thousand great memories of growing up with Rick and getting into all kind of “situations” around our homes in Columbus. We even cut it close a few times at church and church camp. Please know that the Satterwhite family is sending heart felt prayers and celebrating the wonderful memories of Rick and the Davidson family.
Mark Satterwhite
Scott Sawyer says
Rick was a class act and very supportive of his family. I always enjoyed running into him whenever I was out and he always had something positive to say. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out for Pam and the boys. May God comfort you in this time.
Mary Lynn says
I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for the family. I was a co-worker at Altria with Rick. Rick was just an all around great person. He was always smiling and talking about the many things he was doing with his family. He loved his family with all his heart. I also knew Rick as the milk man in the Dothan, AL area before he was an Altria rep. He would be working in the same stores I was in so we knew each other prior to him joining Altria. Rick generated excitement and could always brighten your day with his gift of gab. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be missed by everyone.
Alyah Truong says
I had the privilege of having Rick as my Altria in-field coach last summer. Rick was always so positive and showed up to work with a smile on his face everyday. He was an all around great person and never complained about anything which was truly inspirational. He was always talking about Pam and his grandkids every chance he had. I remember Rick being so excited for his fishing trips and loved vacationing in Panama City Beach to spend time with his family. As much as Rick loved to work, he was so excited to retire and get to travel with his wife. I find comfort knowing that Rick lived a great life and never took anything for granted. My condolences to Pam and the rest of the family! My heart goes out to everyone during this difficult time.
Brian Robinson says
Pam and Mrs. Davidson
Growing up, Ricky was 1 of my dearest friends. 1 year at Eastway and 2 years at Rothschild Jr. High. We were separated in high school but still maintained out friendship. I fondly remember going fishing, playing football in the Davidson’s backyard, and just hanging out with a beer or 2. Unfortunately, life separated us as I went out of state and out of country. We last saw each other in 2010 when Ricky came to Arizona for a work conference and he met my son (already knew my wife). Even though we did not keep in close contact I always treasured Ricky as a person and as a friend and he was/is part of my nightly prayers as I thank God for the special people in my life. He was a special man, always sincere and always true. Sorry for the lateness of this message but I just found out about this sad news. As Ricky requested, I will remember the good times and especially remember him at Miller time and during Bama game. Gob Bless