Oland Patrick Davidson

Oland P. Davidson was born in Toxey Alabama in 1916. His father, Albert Davidson was a barber and his mother Nellie Bell a school teacher and postmistress of Toxey. While Oland was a "country boy" to his many friends, he could also quote from /Chaucer's Canterbury Tales/ in Middle English if you asked. He liked to sing and was part of a radio quartet in his youth, and was an active church choir member for much of his life. Oland worked as a surveyor with the Civilian Conservation Corps, prior to World War II. Oland married Doris A. Schneider of Citronelle in 1944, following his return from his US Army tour of duty in the Pacific islands, something he did not speak much of. They had one son, Kevin who lives in South Carolina. He worked briefly in the oil fields of New Mexico, erecting drilling towers, and was a member of the Oil Workers of America. He returned to Citronelle, and learned watchmaking from his father in law Henry Schneider under the GI Bill. He operated a successful watchmaking and jewelry business in Citronelle for most of his career. Many knew him as "Mr. Schneider" because of the name of his business. He served one term on the Town Council of Citronelle, and was briefly Police Commissioner. During his term the town constructed what is now the Citronelle Convalescent Center. Oland helped in the construction of the former First Baptist Church building in Citronelle of which he was a member until his death. He was active in the Citronelle Masonic Lodge, holding the rank of Past Master, and was a mentor to many of its members. Oland is survived by his son, Kevin, and two grandsons, Patrick and Thomas Davidson. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the 10:00 AM Funeral Service at First Baptist Church in Citronelle on Monday, November 23, 2009 with Rev. Roy Stebbins and Rev. Elbert Charpie officiating. Interment will be at the Methodist Cemetery in Citronelle. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the First Baptist Church of Citronelle Building Fund. Freeman Funeral Home - Citronelle, AL.