William J. Davidson, 74, formerly of 120 Maple Drive in Renfrew, died April 9 at his home in Huntington Park, Calif.

Born July 30, 1930, in Ohio, he was the son of Wilbur J. Davidson and Violet Double.

He was a Navy veteran. He had been a salesman at Butler County Ford from the late '50s to early '70s and later was leasing and truck sales manager at Jim McKain Ford in Wexford.

Mr. Davidson belonged to Butler Moose Lodge, Elks and Masonic lodges in Cranberry Township and the VFW.

He moved to California in 1995 to care for his mother who died in July 2001.

At the time of his death, he was affiliated with the Braille Institute in Los Angeles, first as a student to learn to deal with vision loss from macular degeneration. He then became a tour guide for the facility and spoke to clubs and organizations on behalf of the Braille Institute. He also was chosen to do a national television commercial for medication to slow the progression of the disease that affected his eyesight. He also served on the Metropolitan Transit Authority Board as an adviser for handicapped accessibility.

Surviving are four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Martin (Kimberly) Miller of Butler, Patricia A. Johnson of Fenelton, Mary T. "Teri" Davidson of Renfrew, Violet M. "Lisa" Furmon of Virginia Beach, Va., Joseph D. "Dan" Davidson of Ocala, Fla., and Christopher J. Davidson of Renfrew. Eight grandchildren also survive.

His wife, Joanne Karaffa Davidson, died in 1985. A grandson also preceded him in death.

DAVIDSON - Visitation and a vigil were held at Huntington Park. A memorial service and burial will be held Saturday at Butler County Memorial Park and Mausoleum with the Rev. Douglas Lawrence, pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, officiating.