Jeff Davidson

Funeral services for Mr. Jeffrey "Jeff" Martin Davidson, 50 of Cookeville will be held Saturday May 27th at 1 p.m. at The River Community Church with Pastor Steve Tiebout, Pastor Bryan Vaughn, and Bro. Joe Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Cookeville City Cemetery with Pastor Steve Chatman officiating. Jeff's family will receive friends Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time at the church. With family and closest friends by his side, Jeff passed away from this life Tuesday May 23, 2017 at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. He was born April 12, 1967 in Livingston, Tennessee to Billy "Bill" Wendell and Phyllis Jean Martin Davidson of Cookeville. Jeff graduated from Cookeville High School in 1985. He received a Journalism scholarship to the University of Tennessee and later returned to Cookeville to complete a degree in Marketing from Tennessee Tech University. Jeff was an ambitious and outgoing young man. In his early years he was an award-winning salesman with Federated Insurance. After becoming the father of a child with special needs, he was haunted by the lack of support for these families. Sacrificing his successful career, he left Federated to begin a ministry with his wife, Becky, to the special needs community. Even as a young boy, he voiced a desire to minister to others. With the founding of Rising Above Ministries in 2005, Jeff became a passionate advocate for special needs families, giving a voice to those who had no voice. He allowed hardship to strengthen and transform his life, inspiring others as a missionary to this underserved population. Jeff was a member, Elder, and former long-time staff member of The River Community Church in Cookeville. An author, speaker, champion and friend, Jeff's charisma and character made him an exceptional leader. His sense of humor and keen wit kept his friends on their toes. He was an American patriot and lover of UT football. His blood ran orange and his heart was gold. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Walt and Geneva Martin, and Joe and Oleta Davidson of Byrdstown, TN. and father-in-law, Harold Mitchell of Nashville, TN. In addition to his parents, Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Rebecca "Becky" Ruth Mitchell Davidson (whom he married May 18, 1991 in Nashville, TN); son, Jonathan Alexander Davidson; sister Leigh Ann (Gary) Ray and two nephews, Matthew West and Drew Ray, all of Cookeville, as well as mother-in-law, Patricia Mitchell of Nashville; two sisters in law and their families Melanie (Randy) Henderson and nephews, Hunter and Hayden Hall of Nashville, TN and Susan (Mark) Shipsey and nieces Emily Polny and Olivia Shipsey of Bath, Maine. Honorary Pallbearers will be Special Needs Families of Rising Above and Elders and Deacons at The River Community Church. Active Pallbearers will be Dad's of Rising Above: Rick Imel, Josh Shipley, Ronald Swindell, Terry Pace, Marshal Cox, Tim Styler, and Jason Vaden Memorial contributions can be made to the Davidson Memorial Fund (c/o Brandon Reeves, First National Bank, 412 S. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville, TN 38501) or Rising Above Ministries PO Box 222 Cookeville, TN 38503. https://risingaboveministries.org/ "Love fiercely, run the race, finish strong" "When we feel like we cannot trust God's actions in our life, we must trust His heart." - Jeff Davidson Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.