GRALAN EMERSON DAVIDSON, 55, son of Rachel Sanders Davidson and the late John Harvey Davidson, who fondly called him Nillan, was born November 19, 1959 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at his residence. Gralan attended grade school in Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, and attended Central Piedmont Community College. He enjoyed school and was an avid reader. Gralan especially enjoyed current events, politics, world affairs, animals, and National Geographic stories and publications. At an early age, Gralan Emerson accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He grew up in St. Paul Baptist Church, and attended Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church and First Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church during his formative years. While Gralan did not have a church home during his adult years, he would always listen to gospel music and sermons on the radio and television. He would often share with family and friends the message he had heard in great detail. He knew and would quote the Word of God. Gralan grew up in his father's shadow and often walked with him side by side. He would often accompany his father who owned and operated J.H. Davidson Construction & Masonry Company, Inc. during the summer at various construction sites. During this time Gralan became fascinated with trucks. He paid close attention to all types of trucks - tractor trailers, dump trucks, etc. He knew how each truck sounded and how they were built. It was then that he decided that he would become a truck driver. During Gralan's career, he worked for different trucking companies in the area - long distance, cross country and locally. Gralan especially enjoyed travelling over the last two yearsthrough the various towns and cities with his faithful pit bull terrier, Duchess. Gralan would take pictures of the different sights he would see, or call you first to describe what he and Duchess were witnessing. Gralan Emerson never met a stranger and was blessed beyond measure with the "gift of gab." Gralan brought joy and laughter to most people he met regardless of the situation. He valued and loved his family and friends. Gralan would willingly lend a helping hand in support of his family and friends. He was especially proud of his siblings and nephews as he would readily tell everyone how special they were to him. Left to cherish his memories are his mother, Rachel Sanders Davidson; two brothers, Harvey Alexander Davidson (Linda Janien), and Vincent Edward Davidson; three sisters, Evelyn Sanders, Janice Lynn Davidson, and Pamela Maria Davidson. Also, he leaves to mourn two nephews, Philip Alexander Davidson and John Alexander Davidson; one niece, Christina Sanders-Shelton (Brice);one uncle, Robert Davidson, and two aunts, Hattie Davidson Foster and Emma Davidson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 12 noon in Grier Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Interment will be at Beatties Ford Memorial Garden.