Davey Davidson

Davey Davidson, 89, of Middletown, died Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at Atrium Medical Center. He was born in Middletown on January 26, 1921 to parents Richard E. Sr. and Florence Davidson.

Davey was the proprietor & owner of Sports Bowl Inc. and was a member of the Middletown Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the Hamilton Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame and the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame. While attending high school, Davey began working at Howard Sanders’ Sandy’s Recreation Lanes, located on S. Broad Street in Middletown, Ohio. There he met bowling legend Andy Varipapa. Andy teamed Davey up with top female bowler Tillie Taylor to tour the U.S. to promote women and junior bowling. The tour included instructions, exhibitions & trick shots. During a 60-game stretch, Davey averaged 219. By the age of 19 he had shot four 300 games. Davey was the Ohio Bowling All Events Champion in 1967 and doubles. He was a charter member of the Professional Bowlers Association and brought many state and national bowling tournaments to Middletown. In the early 1950’s he worked at Armco Steel Corp. in the Open Hearth #2. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, serving in the American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Theatre and European African Theatre and was a member of the American Legion Post 218 and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as a member of Lincoln Lodge #693 F & AM, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #501, the Eagles Aerie #528 and the Elks #257.

Mr. Davidson is survived by his wife, Eloise A. (McGraw) Davidson; son, Steve (Judi) Davidson; daughter, Susan (Bill) Childers; sister, Midge (Bob) McMullen; grandchildren, David (Laura) Childers and Julie (Chris) Frey; great grandchildren, Carli Frey, Taylor Childers, Haley Childers and Lucas Childers; and special friend, Dr. Doug Gaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virginia Ballard in 1991.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 10:00 am at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown with Reverend Karen Fleming officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Middletown Combined Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of donor's choice.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044