Sheldon 'Shelly' L. Davidson

Sheldon Shelly LeRoy Davidson, son of Virginia Newassa (Irvan) Davidson, was born on October 15, 1950 in Lexington, West Virginia, and departed this life on March 16, 2014 at his residence near Mtn. Grove, Missouri, at 63 years of age. Sheldon grew up and attended school in Tempe, Arizona and graduated from McClintock High School. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on January 25, 1972. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, and the Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars. He served in Vietnam and Indochina. Following his discharge, he attended the Arizona State University. Every year the university would hold the Pat Tillman Race. For the past ten years, Sheldon would participate in the race with the help of his daughter, Jenn, who pushed his wheelchair. Before crossing the finish line, they would stop and Sheldon would stand and walk across the finish line. His motive for being a part of the race was the hope of inspiring others. His motto was to seize each moment and live every day to the fullest." Sheldon enjoyed watching sports, especially football, and spending time with his family and friends. He was united in marriage to Jeffree Brown on November 4, 1988. His pride and joy in life was Jeffree. He loved her very much and cherished each moment they had together. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Tim and Winkie Davidson. Sheldon is survived by his loving wife: Jeffree Davidson of their home; his son: Adam Goins and his wife, Tambi, of Mtn. Grove; two daughters: Marybeth Maly of Chandler, Arizona and Jennifer Goins of Tempe, Arizona; eight grandchildren: AutumnGoins, Xander Goins, Ashlee and Cal Hughes, Skyler Maly, Collin Maly, Kamren Maly, Ryan Maly, and Dylan Maly; two great-grandchildren: Cohen and Aliyah, and a baby girl on the way; his mother and father: Virginia and Lewis McKinney of Tempe, Arizona; nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends who will miss him very much.


Graveside Services: Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery

Memorial contributions can be made to help the family with expenses c/o the funeral home.