Hubert Emerson "Buddy" Davis

Hubert "Buddy" Davis, born April 29, 1948, in Asheville, NC, passed away Sunday Feb 26, 2023, in Arden, NC. Buddy was the son of the late Theodore Davis & Ruth Davis (Franklin) and grew up in Etowah, NC, graduating from West Henderson High School in 1966.
Buddy is survived by lifelong friend, Kathleen Clark, brother Ronald T. Davis, daughters Jenny Lind Davis, and Bonny Lee Wilson (Robert), Granddaughters Haley Grove Buckner, & Scarlett Mae Wilson, Grandsons Hayden Joseph Buckner, Harrison Davis Buckner, and Samuel Lyle Wilson, and Great Granddaughter Grovelyn North Dillingham.
A Grammy nominee, Buddy played with a number of legends, among them Doc and Merle Watson – Jeff Robbins - Roy Clark on "Hee Haw" – Marty Stuart- Sam Bush – Jethro Burns (of Homer & Jethro) - David Holt –Jerry Douglas – Don Humphries - Jan Howard (Grand Ole Opry Legend) - Chubby Wise – Eddie Swann - Lena Jean Ray and many more.
Buddy served 4 years in the United States Air Force after studying at Western Carolina University. He then pursued his musical career as a vocalist, bass player & guitar player. He spent 7 years with Norfolk Southern Railroad's touring group "The Southern Lawmen". Buddy also co-produced the highly acclaimed "Fire on the Mountain" TNN TV-series. Recognized as a foremost expert on Carl Sandburg's "American Songbag", Buddy spent years with the National Park Service as a 'Singing Park Ranger', performing from the collection at the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site in Flat Rock, NC as well as schools & civic organizations throughout the Southeast.
Buddy received the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award in 2000, in recognition of his significant contributions to traditional music. Later in life Buddy enjoyed performing with daughters Jenny & Bonny and granddaughter Haley Grove.
Buddy was a loving, passionate, & kind father, husband, & friend who left his gift of song in the hearts of many. He will be greatly missed, and his life and legacy cherished for years to come. A celebration of life is planned for Sat April 29, 2023. More details TBA.
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