Born August 10, 1941 Houston, Texas
Died June 4, 2025 Austin, Texas
Bill grew up on a farm then just west the city of Houston near the intersection of Hillcroft and Richmond Avenues, the only child of Julius & Maxine (MacDonald) Davidson. Raising cattle and chickens, he was a successful Future Farmer's of America (FAA) member. He spent many days near and along the Texas coast, enjoying family in nearby Angleton, Brazoria County and "crabbing" in the shallow waters surrounding Galveston. He graduated from Lamar High School, attended classes at the University of St. Thomas, Rice University and the University of Houston, graduating from the latter. Popular in college, at UST, he met and married a pretty blonde art history major from New York City. In 1965, he and Kathryn "Kathy" McCoy married, and the next year their first child, daughter Laura, arrived. A few years later, his son John completed his family.
A man of many incarnations, Bill was a lesson in resilience and adaptation, as he reinvented himself multiple times throughout his life. Starting out with a BS in Biology with initial intentions to attend medical school, he transitioned to stock broking in his early twenties, then shortly later took over management of his father's auto body and paint shop after his father fell ill. He next decided to pursue his dream of becoming a farmer. He moved his family from the suburbs of Houston to farmland outside of Granger, Texas, in Williamson County, where family friends were living. An early adapter of eco-technology, he built a solar home and hydroponic greenhouse to run his own business of growing tomatoes and cucumbers. Plans for expansion were dashed when, on a very windy December day in the early 1980s, fire destroyed both home and business. Like a phoenix, Bill rose again to a new life. With the generosity of local town folk, a house in town was made available for his family to rent. He began driving the local school bus while contemplating his future. Using his background in science, Bill began substitute teaching, which led to full time teaching science and then the new field of computer science. He was instrumental in convincing school officials to purchase desktop computers for his students, some of the first Apple computers. The final chapter in his multi-faceted career was school principal. He was principal of two schools in the Austin Catholic Diocese: SS. Cyril & Methodious School in Granger and St. Theresa's School in Austin, Texas. Under his guidance, both schools won their first awards in the parochial school system for academic excellence. Retiring in 2000, he enjoyed gardening, eating gulf seafood, day-trading and spending time with his family and precious cats.
Even as the horrid disease of dementia ravaged his body, his sweet personality still shone through, frequently saying "I love you" to his family members. Bill was, at his core, a deeply kind and compassionate man who people gravitated towards, and animals adored. His students lovingly referred to him as "Mr. D" and kept up with him in recent years on Facebook. His gift of communication with animals was evident from his youth, and continued throughout his life with many "fur babies" attracted to his warmth and kindness.
The family would like to thank Hospice Austin for assisting Bill and his family in his last days. Hospice Austin's caring team of dedicated staff allowed Bill to rest pain free at home surrounded by his family in his last few days. His family is forever grateful for the support of Hospice Austin--they were our "angels" in time of need.
The family will have a private memorial service. As he requested, his ashes will be spread in the family's memorial garden, among the graves of the family's pets, whom he loved over the years.
We encourage you to memorialize Bill's life by donating to: Hospice Austin, Austin Pets Alive, Austin Humane Society, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.