He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi in 1962 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1965.
He was a United States Air Force captain, JAG Corps from 1966 to 1969, thereafter entering private practice in Tupelo from 1969 to 1981.
He was the United States attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi from 1981 to 1985.
[2] On July 23, 1985, Davidson was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi created by 98 Stat.
He served as Chief Judge from 2000 to 2007, assuming senior status on June 1, 2007.