Danny Buck Davidson, age 79, of Carthage, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, in Carthage surrounded by his family.
Danny Buck was born on May 10, 1947, in Henderson, Texas to the late Buck and Maggie Laura Yarborough Davidson. He was raised in Beckville, where he graduated from Beckville High School with the Class of 1965. He continued his education at Kilgore College before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1969. Pursuing his lifelong passion for the law, he attended Baylor Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1974.
That same year, Danny Buck was elected Panola County Judge, becoming one of the youngest county judges in Texas at the time. He was re-elected in 1978 and faithfully served the citizens of Panola County with integrity and dedication. After returning to the private practice of law for many years, he was elected Panola County Criminal District Attorney in 1995. He served in that role until his retirement in 2024, concluding a distinguished career spanning five decades of public service to the people of Panola County.
Throughout his life, Danny Buck remained deeply committed to his community. He was a proud member of the Beckville and Carthage Masonic Lodges, Sharon Temple Shrine, and volunteered in numerous civic and charitable organizations over the years. His dedication to serving others extended far beyond the courtroom, and his leadership and generosity left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Outside of his profession, Danny Buck found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply spending time in nature, he appreciated every opportunity to enjoy God’s creation. Above all else, he treasured his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who delighted in every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His love, guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving children, Jennifer Hattaway and husband, Trey, Bradley Davidson and wife, Stephanie, and Rebecca Courtney and husband, Chad; his beloved grandchildren, Abby Hattaway, Thomas Hattaway, Kamryn Johnson (Logan), Braden Courtney (McKenzie), Emery Smyers, Colby Davidson, Maggie Davidson, Hadley Courtney, and Jared Davidson; great-granddaughter, Darcy Jane Johnson; sister, Beth Simmons; and sister-in-law, Edna Coleman (Bubba).
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Otis Amy officiating. Interment with Masonic Rites will follow in Restland Memorial Park. Mr. Davidson will lie in state from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Courtney, Trey Hattaway, Colby Davidson, Thomas Hattaway, Braden Courtney, Jared Davidson, Brennan Clements, and Logan Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers are Joey Fenlaw, Jim Holder, Steve Carter, Karlos Courtney, Rick McPherson, Terry Bailey, Cutter Clinton, Adam Duran, Dale Pope, Collin Underwood, Corey Bankhead, Kenny Hill, Kevin Jones, and Jack Ellett.
Memorial contributions may be made to HeartsWay Hospice, 437 W. Panola Street, Carthage, Texas 75633 or the Panola County Cancer Coalition, P.O. Box 70, Carthage, Texas 75633.
A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.
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