John Wheyland Davidson

John Wheyland Davidson of Silverhill, Ala., died October 15 after struggling with illness for several years. He was 66.

John was a well-known restaurateur on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. He launched his career by lighting out for Orlando immediately after graduating from Escambia County High School in Atmore, Ala. That vocation fit perfectly because John was a caring, generous, loving, and trusting soul whose true life’s work was giving and making people happy.

He gave a lot. It might be a stretch to say John died penniless. But not much of one, because if John had $1,000 in his bank account, he would use $900 of it helping friends or family. Stories abound of John paying bills, funding school or dance lessons or sports, buying meals, and, yes, picking up a bar tab!

For many years, he spent Thanksgiving serving meals to the homeless and hungry. He organized caroling trips for restaurant employees to nursing homes at Christmas time. John even opened his home to family, friends, and coworkers who needed a safe harbor in a storm. Coworkers is how John viewed all the many people he managed during his decades operating restaurants from Alabama to West Virginia, but mainly in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

From dishwashers and bus staff to owners and co-managers, regardless of race, gender or orientation, John treated everyone as equals. And they loved him for it. One of John’s brothers a few years ago met a complete stranger in Atlanta who had worked for John at Perdido Pass restaurant in the ‘90s, and she gushed about what a kind boss and entertaining character he was.

John dearly loved the many friends he made from childhood through his last years. It’s dangerous to list them, as the list cannot possibly be complete. But among his special friends, some here and some joyously reuniting with John in heaven, are cousin Kim Strother, Sam Byrne, Dianna Vickery Carlin, JoAnn Collins, Shirley Windham, Debbie Hack, Jay Page, Wesley Burger, and so many, many more.

After hearing of his passing, one of those friends said, “John was special to me the day he came into our lives and will forever be in my heart and soul.” 

Anyone who knows John knows he was irreverent and mischievous. He loved a good time as much as he loved making people happy. An old Atmore neighbor recalled that he and his six siblings loved it when John babysat because he would do the robot on command. John also had the best—probably only—afro among the white students at ECHS. You can look it up in the 1976 Atmoreala yearbook.

John is survived by his father, Gerald Davidson, Sr., of Magnolia Springs, Ala., six siblings—Gerald Davidson, Jr.; Charlotte Davidson Craig; Tom Davidson; Charles Davidson; Pat Davidson; and Mike Davidson—and about two dozen nieces and nephews. His mother, Barbara Bodden Davidson, and grandparents Edith and Charlie Bodden and Tom and Stella “Dodie” Davidson predeceased John.  

Graveside services and burial will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Bay Minette Cemetery with Reverend Todd Forrest officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Make A Wish Foundation.

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