Randall Lee “Randy” Davidson peacefully left this world on July 12, 2024, after a short illness. Born on March 29, 1938 in Nashville, TN, Randy was the first of four sons born to Urby and Louise Davidson.
He was a graduate of David Lipscomb High School and attended Vanderbilt University and Tennessee Tech University. Randy was a longstanding member of both Hillsboro Church of Christ and then later, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Elaine Davidson, his dearly-beloved children: Dr. Randy (Jeannie) Davidson, Greg (Julie) Davidson, Carol Davidson Melvin, Donna (Mark) Ross and Adam Shepherd; brothers Wayne (Joyce) Davidson and Walter Davidson; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Brother Warren (and wife Billie) Davidson, Sister-in-law Glenda Davidson, and precious grandson Connor Ross.
Randy had several successful careers in his lifetime, but was most noted for co-founding Central South Music Sales with his partners Chuck Adams and John Bennet; where he served as President and CEO. Founded in 1970, Central South began as a music distribution company, but soon grew to include 85 retail stores (Sound Shop) and factory-outlets (Music 4 Less), while also wholesaling to over a thousand independent record retailers, and supplying music to upwards of 10,000 juke boxes, nationwide. For many years Central South was recognized as one of the largest privately held companies in Middle Tennessee. As a result of helping numerous artists achieve their own success, the company was awarded over 350 Gold and Platinum Albums, over the years.
From 2002, until his death, he served as the CEO of Central South Distribution, which was one of the largest independent distributors of Gospel music. During this time, he guided many independent artists and labels to their own success, by helping them navigate the changing landscape of the music industry, while pioneering the concept of artists controlling their own music catalogs.
Randy was known as a man who never liked to be idle. One of his many varied ventures included the founding of WHVT Radio in Nashville, which is now known as 92Q WQQK-FM. Outside of work, he was a die-hard Vanderbilt football and basketball fan, as well as being an original Tennessee Titans PSL holder. He had a great love for travel and a passion for scuba diving, which he first discovered with his kids on vacation.
Travel and diving eventually brought Randy to the island of Grand Cayman, whereupon, he discovered the local love for country music; seeing as WSM 650-AM was one of the few radio stations that reached the island. Upon his return to Nashville, Randy enlisted the advice of his long-time friend Conway Twitty to develop the concept of a country music themed, diving resort. Along with his co-general partner, Don Denbo, Randy engaged numerous country music stars, including Larry Gatlin and Ronnie Milsap, and Conway (among others), to join him as limited partners in making his dream a reality. Thus were born Treasure Island Resort and Treasure Island Divers, which were both prominently featured many times on The Nashville Network (TNN); most notably on The Gatlin Getaway. In addition, Treasure Island Divers was, at one time, voted the Best Boat Day-Dive in the world by Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine.
Randy was a bright star in the lives of many, and he will be sorely missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. His guiding principle in life was to help others in business and relationships, which only worked when all parties won. His immeasurable impact changed many lives, and he will not soon be forgotten.
The family will be receiving guests at the Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home on Thompson Lane, in Nashville on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 2:30pm, with visitation beginning at 1:30pm. Services will be officiated by Chris Smith. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Donations in his memory can be made at: entrywaytalent.org/Nashville, or to the Tennessee Children’s Home at tennesseechildrenshome.org.
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