Former DA featured in film ‘Bernie’ dies
Posted/updated on: July 8, 2026 at 4:25 am
CARTHAGE – Former Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson died at 79-years-old on Sunday morning in Carthage, after serving in public office for decades. According to our new partner KETK, Davidson was born in Henderson on May 10, 1947. He attended Beckville High School and later got his bachelors of business administration degree from UT Arlington before getting his law degree from Baylor Law School in 1974.
According to his obituary, Davidson was first elected as Panola County Judge in that same year and was re-elected in 1978. Davidson then practiced private law for a number of years before he was elected as the Panola County District Attorney in 1995. He held that position for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 2024.
During his tenure as DA, Davidson served as prosecutor in the Marjorie Nugent murder case. The case was depicted in the 2011 film “Bernie”, where actor Matthew McConaughey played Davidson across from actor Jack Black, who played the film’s titular main character Bernie Tiede.
Davidson was also named in a now-dismissed lawsuit that accused several Panola County officials of misconduct, racketeering and operating a “duck fund” to trade favorable trial outcomes for cash.
Panola County has sued the Texas Attorney General’s office in order to block the release of documents requested by a county resident in connection to that dismissed lawsuit.
On top of his career in public service, Davidson was also a member of both the Beckville and Carthage Masonic Lodges, the Sharon Temple Shrine and other civic organizations.
“Outside of his profession, Danny Buck found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply spending time in nature, he appreciated every opportunity to enjoy God’s creation,” Davidson’s funeral home obituary reads. “Above all else, he treasured his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather who delighted in every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His love, guidance, wisdom and unwavering support will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.”
Davidson’s funeral service details have not yet been announced but memorial contributions can be made to HeartsWay Hospice or the Panola County Cancer Coalition in Carthage.
