John Levi Davidson III, 67 years of age of Upper Marlboro, Maryland formally of Anawalt, West Virginia passed from earthly life on January 24, 2020 from complications of brief illness. John was born on March 9, 1952 in Welch, West Virginia. He was the eldest son and one of six children born to the late John Levi Davidson II and late Lousinda Davidson.
He was a former member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Anawalt, West Virginia and current member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
He received his elementary and secondary education in McDowell County schools and was a 1970 graduate from Gary High School in Gary, West Virginia. He excelled in academics and play football, basketball, and ran track specializing in the 440 relay. He is a 1974 graduate of West Virginia State University with an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. While at West Virginia State University, he was recruited to play football as an Outside Linebacker was a member of the Vash Na Ha fraternity. John D was inducted into the National “W” Club 37th Annual Sports Hall of Fame. He served as president of the West Virginia State University National “W” Club Shenandoah Valley Chapter for eight years. The John L Davidson III Football office was dedicated in his honor in addition to several athletic lockers inscribed with his name in the Monroe Athletic Complex on campus at West Virginia State University.
John served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves and in the early years of his career, he worked as a correctional officer with the District of Columbia, Department of Correction in Lorton, Virginia. During his career with The U.S. Board of Paroles, God planted a seed ministry in his heart and stepping out on faith opened his private practice specializing in domestic violence, manger management and substance abuse treatment. The seed grew into Project Can, a faith-based organization which specialized in promoting awareness of domestic violence. His goal was to give individuals hope, restore wholeness and validate that Christian values can be utilized within the criminal justice system. He provided weekly domestic violence counseling groups at the Prince George’s County Correctional Facility.
John was affectionally known as Butch to his siblings, Uncle Butch or Uncle John to the children, and John D to his friends. John was a man of character and strength. He had a smile that brighten his pathway everywhere he went. He enjoyed smooth jazz, oldies, watching sports, wearing West Virginia apparel, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was famous for his fried turkeys and fish and those who knew him will miss him saying “Fish Up”.
John is survived by Vivette Davidson, spouse of 27 years, and his 2 children John Levi Davidson IV(Chantal) and Dreama Davidson both of Florida.; 8 grandchildren, 4 siblings, Samuel Davidson of Nashville North Carolina, 3 sisters Linda Davidson, Nancy Davidson, and Gail Davidson of Anawalt WV; host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by sibling Billie Jean Huff.
Service for John will be February 4th at 11:00 am with viewing prior to service from 9:30 am-11:00 am. at First Baptist Church of Glenarden Ministry Center 3600 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785. Ross-Bluford Funeral Home 7527 Old Alexandria Ferry Clinton Maryland 20735 is in charge of arrangements. Can call 301-868-0050 for additional information.
He will be missed by all who knew him.