CDR Harold L. Davison USCG (Ret)

March 25, 1922 - November 12, 2019

Obituary For CDR Harold L. Davison USCG (Ret)

CDR Harold L. Davison USCG (Ret)

Commander Harold Leroy Davison, USCG (Ret) passed away Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 in Raleigh, NC, surrounded by his loving family. Dave, as he was known to family and friends, was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather who served his country in WWII and for 20 years after in the U.S. Coast Guard. He then had a rewarding 26 year second career as a faculty member of the Mathematics Department at N.C. State University.

Dave was born on March 25th, 1922 in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Leroy and Beatrice (nee Bentley) Davison. He was raised in Leavenworth, Kansas where he attended Leavenworth High School. A keen athlete, he played on the football and basketball teams and was a trombonist in the school band. After graduating in 1940, Dave attended Kansas State University for one year, and then, as war clouds loomed for his generation, decided on a military career. He sought and was granted admittance to The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in 1941, where he continued his studies as well as his athletic endeavors, playing on the Academy’s varsity basketball team. After the United States entered WWII in December 1941, the course of study for the cadets at the Academy was condensed, so his class of 1945 actually graduated in June, 1944.

After graduation, Ensign Davison was assigned to USCGC Campbell, a famous Coast Guard cutter which was escorting convoys across the North Atlantic. In 1945, Campbell was transferred to the Pacific theater, and was at Saipan when the war ended in August of that year. Dave remained aboard Campbell until 1947, during which time he met, and on November 8th, 1947 married, the love of his life, Rosemary O’Brien. His other Coast Guard duty stations included the Office of Marine Inspection in New York, Executive Officer of USCGC McCulloch in Boston, OMI in Boston, Commanding Officer of USCGC Ariadne in Key West, and OMI in Mobile. During these years of moving from one duty assignment to another, Dave and Rosemary raised three sons and a daughter and made many good friends.

In 1965, Dave retired from the Coast Guard after 21 years of faithful service. He had always been interested in teaching, so after completing graduate studies at Duke University, he joined the Mathematics faculty at N.C. State University in 1966, where he remained until he retired from teaching in 1992. During this time fellow NCSU math teacher Col. Tom Gordon and his wife Dot were Dave and Rosemary’s closest friends. In 1985, at the invitation of the brothers of the NCSU chapter, Dave became an alumni initiate of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He and Rosemary lived in Cary, NC for 45 years and were devoted members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Dave was universally regarded as a kind, gentle, and caring person whose family meant more to him than anything. He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Rosemary; sister, Helen Fleming; sons, Scott (Joan), Jeff (Vanessa), and Mark (Lisa); and daughter Mary Upton. Also surviving are grandchildren, Maggie Davison, Johnny, Nick, and Parker Davison; and Matthew and Melissa Upton; as well as, step-grandchildren, Mike Carelas and Christine Holton; great-granddaughter, Emma Canales; three step-great-grandchildren, six step-great-great-grandchildren, three nieces, and four nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the JDRF, ASPCA, or a charity of choice.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

15 Nov

Viewing and Visitation

05:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

16 Nov

Funeral Service

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

St. Michael the Archangel R.C. Church 810 High House Road CARY, NC 27513 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Scott Davison

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Mark Davison

25 files added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Scott Davison

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Maggie Davison

Even though Daddy Dave was technically Emma's great-grandfather she didn't see him as that. He was her Daddy Dave ( just like her mommy). She misses him greatly.
September 01, 2020

Mark Davison

Thank you Trent, we felt the same about you guys as well. Had a lot of fun growing up!
September 01, 2020

Chris Rourke

To the whole wide Davison clan, I wish you all the best for the next couple days celebrating Uncle Daves amazing life. I love these photos, they capture him as I remember, kind, strong, fun , thoughtful and always looking for an opportunity to be a bit silly or corny! A tremendous character and the world needs more like him. Ill be thinking of you all .
September 01, 2020

Trent Dotson

Growing up next to a family with kids the same age, you learn what they really think of their parents, and the Davison sons and daughter clearly adored their dadwe were always hearing about his latest hilarious gem. (Airplanes?) For my own part, I can say I never met anyone so unfailingly good natured. Sad time, but happy memories.
September 01, 2020

Maggie Davison

Daddy Dave ( Gampie to the other grandchildren) was the best grandfather anyone could ever have. I was so lucky and blessed to be his granddaughter, and my daughter Emma (7) was able to know him. Ill love and miss you forever. :heart:
September 01, 2020

Chip Wooten

Mark and family: Many great memories of Greenwood Forest and your Dad. God Bless you all at this time! Lisa and Chip Wooten
September 01, 2020

Michael Futch

Jeff and Vanessa, we are so sorry for your loss and sad to hear of this news. We sincerely hope the days to come are filled with fond and loving memories and your grief passes quickly. If we can do anything please let us know. Sincerely, the Futch family.
September 01, 2020

Pamela Rourke-Dupuis

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Mary Upton

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Mark Davison

Thank you Chip, we had loads of fun and you were a big part of it!