I

A Philanthropic Pillar

N MEMORIAM

onoring A Humble Titan

Bill Carroll
Special to the Jewish News

parts of the two social halls, similar to a
capacity Yom Kippur morning service,
when he recited the maftir Torah portion
he magnitude and dignity of the
for many years.
funeral was in keeping with the
Attending were officials from Israel and
character of the man, William
officials from professional basketball in
"Bill" Davidson.
the United States, includ-
About 1,200 people from all
ing the National Basketball
walks of life attended the ser-
Association's Jewish com-
vices Tuesday at Congregation
missioner, David Stern; auto-
Shaarey Zedek in Southfield.
motive industry executives
Davidson had gone through the
from Europe and politicians
synagogue's religious school as
from Washington, D.C. And
a youngster and also served as
there were the loyal fans
its president. The audience —
of the Detroit Pistons, the
some of them shuttled in from
basketball team that Mr.
nearby parking lots — spilled
Davidson owned, as well
from the main sanctuary into
William Davidson
as employees of Guardian

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A20

March 19 - 2009

Industries Corp. in Auburn Hills, the
international glass company he nurtured
to prominence and of which he was chair-
man and president.
Pistons players could not attend because
they played a game in Texas Tuesday
night. But Pistons President Joe Dumars
and Palace of Auburn Hills Sports &
Entertainment chief Tom Wilson were there,
along with former Pistons Isiah Thomas
and Bill Laimbeer, stars of the Davidson
championship teams of 1989-90. Former
Piston star Rick Mahorn also was there.
Six television trucks and a few dozen
radio and newspaper reporters and pho-
tographers lined the entrance to the syna-
gogue. Security was everywhere — pro-
vided by the Oakland County Sheriff's

Department, Southfield police, Guardian
Industries, the Palace of Auburn Hills and
Shaarey Zedek.
Mr. Davidson, 86, who had been in ill
health for a few years, died Friday, March
13, 2009, of complications from pneumo-
nia at his Bloomfield Hills home. His death
brought an outpouring of sadness and
heartfelt comments and reflections from
friends and strangers alike throughout the
worlds of business, industry, education,
sports and entertainment.

Quiet Philanthropist

He was known as the quiet, humble bil-
lionaire, who preferred to stay out of the
limelight because he just "didn't want to

Humble Titan on page A22