Rudolph Douglas Davidson

Rudolph Douglas Davidson, 80, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022. He was a graduate of Shawnee High School and attended UofL and Ky. State College. He was a veteran of the US Army and retired from Louisville Metro Government as Cabinet Secretary of Public Works and Services, and Director, Solid Waste Management and Services (Old City of Louisville). During his 37 year career in government Rudy left a legacy of many accomplishments. As Executive Director of the Louisville and Jefferson County Community Action Agency he lead the City's first heat relief and winter relief programs. He later became Director of the Louisville Sanitation Department which he later renamed the department of Solid Waste and Management Services (SWMS). Many services were initiated during his tenure. The city's first curbside recycling program, recycling drop off centers, opening of the Waste Reduction Center, expanded the heavy trash collection program, closing the old incinerator, started the office paper recycling in the business district, planned the City's first Solid Waste Management Plan, started the containerized cart garbage collection system and revised the 40 year old twice a week garbage collection system to a once a week collection system. He was the past president of the US Conference of Mayors, Municipal Waste Management Association and past president of the Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America. He received numerous awards as a solid waste professional. He was selected by the American Public Works Association as one of the top Ten Public Works Leaders in North America for 1997. Kentucky Recycling Award-1992, National Association for Plastic Container Recovery-President's Award for Community Program Excellence-1992, Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission Award-1991 and many more. He retired in 2006 and devoted his time to community work. He was past president of the Fontaine Estates Homeowner's Association, past president of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association, founding member of the Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center, past chairman of the Urban Service District Board and a founding member of Stop Pet Over Population Today (SPOT). He also received awards for his community work. Tai Chi Award-2006, The Molly Leonard Community Service Award-2008, Louisville Metro Council Black History Month Celebration Award-2010 and Veteran's I.M.A.G.E. Award-2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Nathaniel; brother, Nathaniel III, and sister, Ruth Handy. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; stepson, Steve Bodner, granddaughters, Britanny Mellick (Jeremy), Amanda McDaris (David), Shannon Mackin (Cody); 2 great-granddaughters, 1 great-grandson; nephews, Durk Davidson (Pat), Mark Handy (Kim), Brian Davidson (Tammy); niece, Paula Westmoreland, and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. Visitation: 4pm-8pm Thursday, February 10, 2022 at A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home, 1300 W. Chestnut St. Funeral: 11am Friday, February 11, 2022 at the funeral home. Burial: 1:30pm Monday, March 7, 2022 at KY Veterans Cemetery.

Rudolph Douglas Davidson

July 19, 1941 - February 4, 2022