Panola County DA Who Inspired the Movie Bernie Dies At 79
CARTHAGE, Texas — Danny Buck Davidson, the former Panola County Criminal District Attorney whose courtroom work inspired a Hollywood portrayal by Matthew McConaughey, died peacefully Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, surrounded by family in Carthage. He was 79.
Davidson became widely known for his successful 1999 prosecution of Bernie Tiede, who was convicted of murdering 81‑year‑old widow Marjorie Nugent in a case that drew national attention for its unusual facts and small‑town dynamics.
The story later became the basis for the 2011 film Bernie, directed by Huntsville native Richard Linklater. McConaughey’s portrayal of Davidson introduced the East Texas prosecutor to audiences around the world.
Born May 10, 1947, in Henderson to Buck and Maggie Laura Yarborough Davidson, Danny Buck grew up in Beckville and graduated with the Beckville High School Class of 1965. He attended Kilgore College before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1969. Pursuing his passion for the law, he earned his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School in 1974.
That same year, Davidson was elected Panola County Judge, becoming one of the youngest county judges in Texas. He was re‑elected in 1978 and served with a reputation for integrity and accessibility.
After years in private practice, he returned to public office in 1995 when he was elected Panola County Criminal District Attorney. Davidson held the position until his retirement in 2024, closing a 50‑year career in public service.
Davidson was deeply involved in civic life, serving in the Beckville and Carthage Masonic Lodges and the Sharon Temple Shrine. Friends and colleagues often described him as a man whose commitment to community extended far beyond the courtroom.
Davidson is survived by his children:
- Jennifer Hattaway and husband, Trey
- Bradley Davidson and wife, Stephanie
- Rebecca Courtney and husband, Chad
Grandchildren: Abby Hattaway, Thomas Hattaway, Kamryn Johnson (Logan), Braden Courtney (McKenzie), Emery Smyers, Colby Davidson, Maggie Davidson, Hadley Courtney, and Jared Davidson.
Great‑granddaughter: Darcy Jane Johnson.
Sister: Beth Simmons.
Sister‑in‑law: Edna Coleman (Bubba).
Funeral services are pending.
Pallbearers will be Chad Courtney, Trey Hattaway, Colby Davidson, Thomas Hattaway, Braden Courtney, Jared Davidson, Brennan Clements, and Logan Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers include Joey Fenlaw, Jim Holder, Steve Carter, Carlos Courtney, Rick McPherson, Terry Bailey, Cutter Clinton, Adam Duran, Dale Pope, Collin Underwood, Corey Bankhead, Kenny Hill, and Kevin Jones.
Memorials may be made to:
- HeartsWay Hospice, 437 W. Panola Street, Carthage, Texas 75633
- Panola County Cancer Coalition, P.O. Box 70, Carthage, Texas 75633
