LUGOFF%%Sergeant Major Phillip M. Davidson, U.S. Army (Ret’d), 74, died at Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center, Columbia, S.C. on Thursday, 15 April 2010 with his wife and four children at his bedside. Born on 8 January 1936, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Edward E. Davidson and Della H. Claymon Davidson. SGM Davidson is survived by his loving and wonderful life companion of 51 years, Joan Arnold Davidson; daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Randy Newman of Blythewood S.C.; sons and daughters-in-law, Master Sergeant Steven E. Davidson and Kathy Davidson of Columbus, Wis., Phillip John and Karen Davidson of Lincolnton, N.C., and Sergeant First Class Kevin Lee Davidson of Easley, S.C. Also 8 grandchildren whom he loved so dearly: Randi Lauren and Bailey Newman, Stephanie and Amanda Davidson, Lindsey Malone, Senior Airman Michael Davidson, Matthew Davidson, James Gordon; and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Colonel Paul R. Davidson, U.S. Army (Ret’d) and his wife, Lydia of Jonesborough, Tenn. He will be especially missed by his beloved dogs Noodle and Harley. Phillip was an active and devoted member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, Lugoff, S.C. He was a devout Christian, dedicating his last years to bible study and living the Christian life. SGM Davidson served on active duty with the US Army for 30 years, retiring at Fort Jackson, S.C. on 1 September 1984. He was a combat veteran with the Medical Corps. He served in Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Panama Canal Zone and various duty stations in the USA. He received numerous awards with the most notable one being the Combat Medical Badge. His excellent service record is noted with the award of the Army Legion of Merit, one of the highest Army Awards for Meritorious Service. He had a passion for fishing and camping and enjoyed riding his bicycle. He will be dearly missed by all those whose hearts he touched. Funeral service with military honors will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Rev. John Mims and Rev. Barbee Parsons will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday 6-8 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home.