Ailo Keith Davidson, known as Keith to family and friends, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, at Apple Creek Health and Rehab in Centerton, Arkansas, at the age of 90. Born on February 16, 1934, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Elmer Polk Davidson and Vera Higgins Davidson, Keith lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and love for his family and the land.

Keith proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserves before embarking on a career as both a truck driver and a farmer. He was self-taught in many areas of life and learned from all those experiences. Known for his quick wit, problem-solving, and storytelling, Keith gave everything a nickname and was always willing to share his many stories with anyone who would listen. Whether working cattle, managing chicken houses, baling hay, or driving trucks, Keith's work ethic was unmatched, and he passed down these values to his children and grandchildren.

Keith married the love of his life, Peggy Davidson, with whom he shared 64 beautiful years until her passing in 2019. Their love story, which began in high school at a basketball coronation, where Keith, the senior, picked Peggy, a freshman, as his escort, continued to inspire those around them for decades. They faced many challenges together, including the loss of three children and a grandson, but their love and resilience helped them build a life full of cherished memories.

His grandson, Konner Hodges, remembers, "One winter, Papa was driving me and my buddy up to the chicken farm to get some work done. It had snowed quite a bit the night before. The dirt roads were completely covered and pretty slick. We were in his truck, which was a 1-ton with a 6-speed manual. We got to the last hill to get to the farm, and we all started laughing. My dog Lola was going to the bathroom just off the road ahead of us, and she kicked a stick up, which got stuck in her rear end. Papa seemed to lose focus of the road, and the truck went completely sideways. Me and my buddy got nervous, but Papa never missed a beat. He just dropped a gear, powered through the slide, and we made it safe and sound. We mentioned that we were impressed with his driving skills, and he brushed it off like it was no big deal."

Konner continued, "Growing up next door to Papa was such an inspiration. At his age, farm work was no easy task, especially chicken farming. But he never failed to be up every morning, making sure things got done. I'll never forget the lessons he taught me just by getting to work with him."

His grandson, Tucker Hodges, fondly recalls, "My Papa was an amazing man. He always put family first and himself second. He was one of the hardest workers I've known, whether it was farming or wrangling his grandkids. He never missed a sporting event, even if he had to leave at halftime because of his bedtime. My favorite memory is riding in the tractor with him at a young age, baling hay. He was a great man with great morals, and no one else could be my Papa. He was one of a kind, even with his sassy attitude."

Keith's frugal ways, like doctoring up old cottage cheese, fixing potato salad "just right," or leaving Oreos out to soften, are stories his family will continue to laugh about for years to come. Though he could be stubborn, his heart was big, and his pride in the simple things was evident—like his refusal to upgrade to a smartphone or use the power chair his family bought him, preferring to do things his own way.

Keith was also a sports fan, especially when it came to football and basketball, with a deep love for the Razorbacks. He loved Westerns, particularly the ones in color, and was known to quote his favorite scenes. His sharp focus and calm demeanor left a lasting impression on his family, and he was a role model for hard work and perseverance.

Keith was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Davidson; sons Brian Davidson and Neal Davidson; daughter Sherry Dagley; grandson Andrew Dagley; Son in-law, Kevin Hodges; parents Elmer and Vera Davidson; and all of his siblings.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Emily Hodges; his grandchildren Scott Thompson, Allen Dagley and his wife, Kim, Megan Sullins and her husband, Shane, Sydney Pitts and her husband, Spencer, Konner Hodges and his wife, Madi, and Tucker Hodges; and his great-grandchildren Kristen, Jennifer, Ashley, Hayden, Isabelle, Michael, and Lacey Thompson, Mason Dagley and his wife, Madison, Morgan Dagley, Eloise Pitts, Farley Pitts.

Visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut St., Rogers, Arkansas.

A graveside service will be held to honor Keith's life at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Benton County Memorial Park, where his family will celebrate his incredible legacy, officiated by Randy Featherston.

Keith will be remembered not only for the life he led but for the love and lessons he passed down to future generations.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home (479) 636-2412.