Dr. L Stacy Davidson, Jr., passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at his home in Oxford, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Davidson was born in Pope, MS, on Dec. 19, 1932. He graduated as valedictorian of his Pope High School class. Dr. Davidson went on to attend the University of Mississippi where he graduated with honors. While attending the University of Mississippi Medical School, he met the love of his life, Fay Spruill. They went on to share a rich marriage of 58 years. Dr. Davidson completed his medicine internship at Baylor School of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He then served his country as a captain in the US Army Medical Corps before serving his community as a general practitioner for 5 years in Cleveland, MS. Deciding to further his medical education, Dr. Davidson proceeded to complete residency training in ophthalmology at Tulane University. He practiced medicine a total of 52 years. A passionate supporter of education, Dr. Davidson served on the MS Institutes of Higher Learning Board of Trustees for 12 years. Various other honors include: Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame, UMMC Guardian Society member, Ole Miss Chancellor’s Trust, Cleveland High School and Delta State University teams’ doctor for 14 years, Delta Medical Society member, MS and American Medical Associations member, Diplomat of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Regional Board of Directors of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, local Boy Scouts of America leader.

Dr. Davidson was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, where he taught Sunday School and was a senior member of the Methodist Men’s Club. He was also honored as Charity Ball King for the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland. An avid sports fan, hunter, and gardener, Dr. Davidson enjoyed sharing his produce with family and friends. He also delighted in lovingly doting on his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Friley Spruill Davidson; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. Stacy Davidson, Sr., of Batesville; and a nephew, Darryl Davidson. He is survived by his wife, Fay Spruill Davidson; his son, John Stacy, and daughter-in-law, Laurie; a brother, Dr. Gene Davidson, and sister-in-law, Diane, of Tallahassee, Florida.

He also leaves four grandchildren: Brantley and wife Katie, Samuel, Caroline, and Andrew; and three nephews.

Visitation will be at Coleman Funeral Home in Oxford on Thursday, December 8, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. A second visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, December 9, at Paris-Yates Chapel on the University of Mississippi campus, with a memorial service at 11 a.m. A private interment will be at Belzoni Cemetery in Belzoni, MS.

Dr. Davidson was a true southern gentleman who loved the Ole Miss Rebels, his patients, and people in general. Above all, he loved his family well. His was a life of service.

The Davidsons would like to thank the nurses and caregivers from Camellia Hospice of Oxford. Memorial donations in Dr. Davidson’s name may be given to the MS Children’s Cancer Center at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be left on the tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.