There is an old saying most Union County folks have heard or used a few times during their lives that says, “Sometimes it takes a village.” Whether referring to raising a child, moving a neighbor to a new home, or getting escaped cattle back inside their fences, sometimes we must all come together as a village or a tight knit community to achieve a desired outcome. A community joining forces as the village in that old saying is the mental image I have come accustomed to while learning of the upcoming Benefit Singing for Greg Davis.

Greg Davis is a man of many titles. A husband, a father, a grandfather, a musician, a charitable contributor, an East Tennessean, a friend, and a community supporter. But the greatest title of all that he holds is the title as a Child of God. Davis lives in the Gibbs community and is married to Teresa Davis. They have two children, Haylea Bates and Josh Davis, along with three grandchildren that are his world. “His passion is to share Christ and the love of Jesus Christ with the community. He has always wanted to share Christ everywhere he goes. He has sang in gospel groups for as long as I can remember,” says Bates. When asked about his contributions and support to Union County, she stated, “He lives in Gibbs, but he has never turned anyone down in terms of helping others with benefit singings and he has sang so many times in Union County. He’s always been willing to help others in their time of need.” In the past, Davis sang baritone with the group Heartfelt, 3 4 Thee, and Crimson Ridge.

Due to his declining health related to his illness, Davis is no longer able to sing. “It has been difficult for him to have the tables turned where that he is the one now needing help,” Bates says. Davis suffers from a rare disease known as Multiple System Atrophy or MSA. This rare disease shares many Parkinson’s type symptoms including slow movement, rigid muscles, and poor balance. The degenerative neurological disorder, MSA, affects the body’s involuntary functions, such as blood pressure, breathing, and muscle control. “This has been really hard on him. He’s not one that likes to ask for help. He would rather be giving the help,” says Bates.

A Benefit Singing to support Greg Davis is scheduled for January 12, 2019 at the Union County Senior Citizens Center located at 298 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807 from 11AM to 5PM. Having never planned a benefit event myself, it wasn’t until speaking with a local gospel singer, Michael Bailey, that I learned of the dedication and commitment that goes along with an event such as this one. Bailey stated that he felt the Lord called him to organize and plan this benefit singing to support his friend that currently suffers from the effects of MSA. Bailey states, “I felt led by the Lord to do a benefit because Greg has helped me and a lot of other people in Union County. And he has MSA.” While Bailey is spearheading the event planning, he gives credit to many others in the community that he states are a great help to coordinating this event.

Michael Bailey and fellow community members have worked together over four weeks in preparing for a Benefit Singing. Several individuals Bailey named that have come together to make up this village include Joe Rogers, Gail Ford, Barbara Seymour, Dave Thurman, Derrick Cunningham, Bill Sexton, Randy Turner, and Rebecca Mills. Bailey concludes that he cannot name all the individuals that are helping to coordinate this benefit but the community is plainly coming together. Benefit Singing performers include: Roy Poole, Kathy Chesney, Faithful Promise, Dave Seratt, Melissa Gibson, Gracie Hunter, Derrick Cunningham, Larry Seviers, Open Arms Praise Team, Neal Ingram, Darlene Newton, Wayne Carpenter, Higher Calling, His Call, Michael Bailey, Little Gerald Wallace, Three Purple Crosses and the Benediction by Alex Cross.

When a community or a village comes together with a purpose and in love, great accomplishments are achieved. To give back to a man that has generously given so much, that is the goal today. There is not an entry fee to this benefit singing, however, donations are accepted where hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be served. Anyone unable to attend that wishes to make a contribution may contact Michael Bailey at 865-992-1831 or 865-455-2069. The Benefit Singing is certain to hold great music, fellowship, and friends. Come be a part of this very important village of love and share in the life passion of Greg Davis!