of Harrison, AR

October 7, 1952 - January 14, 2025

Joe Richard Davidson entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the age of 72. He was born October 7, 1952, to Don and Genevieve (Richardson) Davidson in Harrison, Arkansas. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Genevieve Davidson, and brother, Roger Vickers.

He was a devoted son, husband, Dad, and Papa Joe and the one everyone called when something needed to be fixed, built, rebuilt, or problem solved---a living MacGyver. He was a quiet genius and a master of mechanics, woodworking, and welding. He loved like Jesus, always patient, always selfless, always present.

Joe married his precious JaNell (Ware) on July 7, 2007. Together they were members of CrossRoads Community Church where Joe quickly became fond of Johnny's preaching and being part of a loving church family. Some of his favorite pastimes were camping and traveling the country with JaNell-even when it meant running out of fuel in Wyoming and hitching a ride into town with a stranger while leaving JaNell back at the rig with a can of bear spray.

Joe graduated from Bergman High School in 1970 where he played basketball and baseball. Shortly after graduation and embracing his family's deep patriotism, he enlisted in the US Army. He served his country in the US Army Reserve for over 21 years and proudly retired as an E6 staff sergeant.

Joe had many noble characteristics including fierce loyalty and work ethic. After Army basic training, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to enroll in diesel college. Following completion of the program, he returned to Harrison and was hired at the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department (AHTD) and served faithfully for 42 years.

He enjoyed tinkering, fixing, woodworking projects, restoring his '47 Ford pick-up, hunting, and fishing, but mostly chasing his kids and grandkids all over the country through sporting events and special occasions. He was happiest when he was with his family and was one very, very proud Papa Joe.

He is survived by his wife, JaNell; his daughter, Joni Chy (Andy) of Harrison; his son, Trevor Davidson (Stephanie) of Rogers; his grandchildren, Cara Barrett, Sloan Barrett, Mia Barrett, Carly Davidson, Caylin Davidson, and Cora Davidson; his great-grandchildren, Barrett Ezell, Sutton Ezell; his mother-in-law, Lois Taylor; his brother-in-law, Terry Ware (Amy) and sister-in-law, Joan Vickers; and a host of nieces, nephew, and friends that will miss him greatly.



Visitation was on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at CrossRoads Community Church in Harrison with service following the visitation, with Bros. Johnny Walters and Paul Braschler officiating.

Graveside service and interment followed at York Cemetery, Bergman, AR, with military honors.

Pallbearers were Trevor Davidson, Sloan Barrett, Andy Chy, Tommy Creamer, Glen Creamer, and Bill Sansing.

Honorary Pallbearers were Mac Troutt, Gerald King, Mark Earnhart, Gerald Wilkerson, Rick Widner, AHTD District 9, and the 489th Combat Engineer Battalion.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com