Paul Bartlett Davidson Jr's Obituary
Paul Bartlett Davidson, Jr. was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 12, 1940, and passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 22, 2025. Paul was the first-born son of his parents Paul Sr. and Mary Davidson. His brother, Richard “Dick’ Davidson, whom he so affectionately called “Punk,” was born three years later. They attended Immanuel Baptist Church where he met lifelong friends including Jack Wallace and his cronies. He attended Lowell Junior High and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He was a member of the Tulsa Boys Singers and was an accomplished tenor receiving numerous scholarships for his musical accomplishments. He chose to attend Oklahoma State University where he pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. While working on a homecoming float, a beautiful brunette named Kay Young caught his eye. This chance encounter was the start of a 64 year marriage. After serving his country in the Air National Guard, he transferred to Tulsa University to finish his degree in mechanical engineering.
Paul worked in multiple roles as an engineer, including working for NASA on the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) for the Apollo Program which landed the first humans on the moon. Most of his career was spent in the oil/gas industry working for Schlumberger in Wichita, Kansas and later co-owning Thor Steel with his cousins, Bob and Bill Bradley. Later he moved to Saudi Arabia working for Saudi Aramco where he enjoyed playing sand golf courses and travelling all over the world with his family. His three daughters, Leslie, Lisa and Karen, were his pride and joy, and they equally adored their father.
In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family including his five beloved grandchildren and enjoying his hobbies especially handicapping thoroughbred racehorses, bowling, and golf. He was a member of The Tulsa Men's Club where he enjoyed many friendships and activities, especially the formal dances. His weekly highlight was going to Fish Daddy’s Restaurant where he was a local celebrity with VIP parking and a reserved booth.
His faith was strong, and he could often be found watching a church service or listening to music in his room. He was quick-witted, hilarious, no- nonsense, charming, charismatic, a true character, loved by many and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Bartlett Davidson Sr. and Mary Nunez Davidson of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Davidson; three daughters Leslie Rossier and her spouse Ted Rossier of Athens, Georgia; Lisa Baldwin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Karen Smith and her spouse Martin Smith of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one brother Dick Davidson and his spouse Murlene Davidson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; five grandchildren: Mart Smith, Matthew Smith, Jack Rossier, Grace Baldwin and Garrett Baldwin. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A very special thank you for the wonderful care he received from Miller Hospice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 28th, and the Celebration of Life service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 29th both at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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