The world is poorer tonight with the sudden loss of Joe “Tom” Davidson. He leaves behind legions of friends and family who will mourn his absence forever.
In addition to being a self-described “Old country lawyer that cared too much, loved too much, and has no regrets,” Tom Davidson had the soul of a poet and a genuine love for his fellow man that manifested in all his endeavors. Whether he was defending a client, raising his kids, or making another friend who would love him for life, Tom’s genuine care for others shone through his every action.
Tom was the fourth child and only son of Joe Tom and Donna Beth Davidson and he grew up on his family ranch in Crockett County, Texas. He was born in San Angelo, Texas on October 15, 1952, attended Ozona High School, and graduated from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas with honors. He spent many a late night at the SAE house with his brothers creating memories he cherished long after his time in Austin was over. Joe Tom developed a never-ending love for Texas Football and the city of Austin itself. After graduating, was drafted into the U.S. Army but had to be dragged off the plane heading to Vietnam because of a forced Medical Discharge. Upon his return from the service, Tom enrolled in The University of Texas School of Law where he would later be honored as a Keaton Fellow and hold a position on the Deans Roundtable. He earned his bar license in 1980 and settled in San Angelo with his family.
Tom was dedicated to his work, so much so that he practiced law until the day of his death in 2022. He never considered retiring because he knew there would always be more people who might need his help. He was widely revered in the criminal law community, earning respect and great victories in cases from capital murders to traffic tickets. There was no case he couldn’t try and no client for whom he would not give his all.
Tom brought a great civility and honor to the practice. He inspired collegiality among the defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges that he worked with. He was unfailingly loyal, the holder of many secrets, and he empathized deeply. These qualities, combined with his genuine pleasure at being among friends and colleagues, made him a favorite in courthouses throughout West Texas.
The 51st, 119th, 340th and 391st District Judges, in whose courts he worked daily, offered the following:
“Tom was the quintessential West Texas gentleman-lawyer. He had a natural sense of justice and fought for fair resolutions in all his cases. His humble way and worn hat disarmed even the most aggressive adversary or hostile witness. And you could count on his word. Because of his respectful and kind manner, his presence was a blessing to anyone he encountered. He always had an encouraging word and compliment, especially for the “darlin” ladies. We will miss him, and we regret that younger lawyers will not benefit from his example.”
Tom’s heart was as wide open as his beloved West Texas plains. His travels were often spontaneous, and he never declined a road trip. He was an avid elk, whitetail, and caribou hunter. Some of his fondest memories were of getting away for weeks, cooking for elk hunts on the Taylor Ranch with his best friends. He had legendary adventures and told grand stories of near-misses and outright disasters. He was sought after as a guest at parties and Happy Hours for the joviality and fun he brought to any gathering. He loved big and he wasn’t afraid to tell you and show you. His joy at being with his friends was tangible.
He loved Scotch whiskey and beautiful women, especially blondes wearing black. “Hello Darlin’“ was his standard greeting and he hugged you like he meant it. His laugh was as big as his heart.
Above all, he loved his family, both his natural children and the many he informally adopted. He once said, “The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with your children,” and he cultivated and nurtured us all.
Tom is survived by daughters Dree Davidson Noble and husband Reagon Noble of San Angelo; Brittnae Davidson of Lubbock and their mother Tanya Blanton, Texas; Abbey Gillespie of Oklahoma City and their mother Paula Hohmann Cassell; son, Austin Davidson and Makayla Morris of San Angelo and his mother Debra Davidson-Shumaker and her daughter Paige Guthrie; grandchildren Tripp, Marin, and Reed Noble and Weslee Welch Jr. Sisters Becky Madray and husband Giles, Barbra Walker, and Anne Davidson. Along with countless cousins, nephews and nieces. It would be a disservice to not include April Maher, Shaylnn Waldrop, and Madelyn Brown, who were indispensable pieces of Tom's career and life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the San Angelo Chapter of Texas Exes in Tom’s honor.
“Having you as a friend has been one of the great blessings of my life.”
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at The Cactus Hotel at 5:00PM on Tuesday, May 10, 2022
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