WILLIAM HARPER DAVIDSON's Obituary
William Harper Davidson II went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2015, at the age of 81. He was born to William Harper and Alice Cullen Davidson on September 11, 1934, at Jackson Memorial Hospital and was a lifelong resident of Coral Gables, FL. He was a member of the second graduating class of Coral Gables High School. Harper attended the University of Florida where he became a diehard Gator fan. He was vice-president of his ATO fraternity and was enlisted in ROTC. He entered active duty in the Army as a Lieutenant in the late 1950’s serving in Germany. Upon returning to the US, he discovered his passion for flying fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He continued to serve his country in the Army Reserve. In the 1980’s Harper was Commander of the 478th Civil Affairs Company at the University of Miami. He retired as a Colonel in 1993. Harper worked as a general agent for the New York Life Insurance Company for over 50 years. In 1969 he married the love and light of his life Joyce Reynolds Davidson and together they raised their family in Coral Gables. Harper selflessly served his community. He was Governor of the Florida Kiwanis Club. He was a long time member of the Orange Bowl Committee, serving as president in 1992. He was an Elder at Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church and Chairman of Key Life Ministries and World Sports Ministry. Harper was a board member of Westminster Christian School. He was a long time member of Riviera Country Club. Harper is survived by his wife Joyce of 46 years, their son Donald, his wife Loan and grandsons, Samuel and Max of Miami, grandson Cole Davidson of Lake Worth, and nephews Bucky, David, and Mark Parrish. Harper was preceded in death by his sister Alice Parrish, step daughter Karen Lynn Henley, and son David Henley Davidson. Harper was known and loved by countless people. He was committed to his Lord, his family, his friends, and his city. Harper had many gifts but his greatest was his sense of humor. He had the ability to make virtually any situation funny. He loved to make people laugh, and he was always willing to laugh at himself. There will be a celebration of Harper’s life at Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive, Coral Gables, FL at 4:30 pm, Thursday, October 29, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Key Life Ministries, P.O. Box 945000, Maitland, FL 32794 or Westminster Christian School, 6855 SW 152nd St., Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 or Kendall Presbyterian Church, 8485 SW 112 St. Miami, FL 33156.
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