Davidson, Nancy
Name/Title
Davidson, NancyTags
Ambassadors & IndustryDescription
- “The First Lady of Motorcycling,” a legendary motorcycling ambassador with a strong commitment to charity and community service, primarily in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Second-ever member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG), after her husband, Willie G. Davidson - Attended over 30 Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies and 35 Daytona Bike Week events Nancy Davidson, wife of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer William G. Davidson (“Willie G.”), was one of the most impactful female icons in the American motorcycling community. She contributed to charity rides and support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Harley-Davidson Dealer network and held the No. 2 membership card in the Harley Owners Group, established in 1983. As a lifelong advocate for the American Motorcyclist Association, she symbolized the freedom and adventure of the motorcycle lifestyle and influenced ridership — specifically female ridership — across the globe. In the motorcycle community, few families elicit such admiration as those who carry the Davidson name. Besides shouldering the duties and responsibilities that come from representing the Harley-Davidson brand, they embody the enduring spirit of America’s motorcycling tradition and culture. And few represented that tradition and culture so aptly as Nancy Davidson, who accompanied her husband to countless motorcycle events to celebrate and support the motorcycling lifestyle. Nancy Schewe was born in Milwaukee on June 4, 1932, and started dating Willie G. Davidson while she was still in high school. After high school, Nancy enrolled at Mount Mary University to become a teacher, while Willie G. attended art school. Upon graduating, Nancy became a first-grade teacher, and the couple married in 1957. After Willie G. joined Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1963, Nancy retired from teaching to devote her attention full-time to raising a family that included children Bill, Karen and Michael. She urged her children to follow their dreams, while at the same time inspiring countless women riders, passengers and dealers as she shared her passion for the sport of motorcycling. Her son Bill once explained how having his parents together for nearly 75 years, including 64 years of marriage, taught him a lot about the value of family. “The fact that my parents were together for so long made our family really close, and that has a lot to do with the love and care my parents showed us kids,” he said. “She always put my brother and sister and [me] first. As you grow up, that has an impact on you, and she supported all of us 110 percent.” In 1983, the company launched the Harley Owners Group (HOG), and Nancy and Willie G. recognized a perfect opportunity to connect more deeply with riders and fans of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Together they instantly became emissaries for the riding community, holding HOG membership cards No. 1 and No. 2. Once their kids were raised, Nancy dove fully into the motorcycle community as an ambassador for Harley-Davidson. “That was around the time when my dad really started to become well-known and with my mom by his side, so did she,” Bill said. “The passion and emotion my mom and dad had for our dealers and our brand is real, and that contribution really helped grow Harley-Davidson and helped people connect with the brand because my mom was so approachable.” Nancy traveled the world and demonstrated the joy of motorcycling and the value of camaraderie amongst riders. The two became regular fixtures at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Daytona Bike Week, where they often gave talks, signed autographs and led rides, all in support of the American motorcycle community. Nancy contributed to charity rides and support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Harley-Davidson Dealer network, as well as supporting diabetes-related organizations too. She accompanied Willie G. as a partner, reaching out to riders and dealers throughout the world to show support for both local and nationally recognized rides. Whether at races, rallies or riding events, Nancy was a diplomat, role model and mentor for engaging women in riding and promoting motorcyclists’ rights and motorcycle advocacy. Nancy Davidson passed away in July 2021 after a long battle with cancer.Category
Class of 2021