In Memory of Gregory Davis
Gregory Davis
Spouse: Sumiko Davis
Children: Miyo, Misook
Birthdate: April 7, 1959
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: November 30, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 9, 2023
Born on April 7, 1950, to Marvin and Roberta Davis in Urbana, IL, Greg lived the majority of a rambunctious childhood with his two sisters, Christine and Susan, in Mahomet, IL. It was in his youth in Illinois that Greg discovered his love for driving—a fervent need to be behind the wheel of a car that he maintained for his entire life, occasionally turning his hobby into a profession.
Greg graduated from Mahomet Seymour High School in Mahomet, IL in 1968. He briefly attended Eastern Illinois University then transferred to Southern Illinois University, where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Greg channeled his creativity into many different art mediums: sculpture and metal-casting gave him the opportunity to fabricate commissioned works; woodworking led him to a stint in carpentry; and a fascination with art history led him to a brief job owning a framing shop. However, it was music that served as Greg’s greatest source of inspiration. Hardly seen without a guitar by his side, Greg wrote dozens of songs throughout his life, always ready to commemorate an important occasion or celebrate a special person with an original song he had seemingly written on the spot. Since 2008, Greg lent his beautiful tenor voice to The Harbormen, one of Long Island’s premier barbershop choirs, which brought him immense joy and satisfaction while performing, be it for an audience of one or 1,000.
Greg often used his music to express his spirituality as well. In 1974, Greg dedicated his life to the Unification Church, eventually earning a Masters in Religious Education from the Unification Theological Seminary in 1989. Greg fused his affection for music and his faith by hosting a radio program called “Spirit Talk,” where he invited listeners to call in and speak with “fellow traveler Davo.” “Traveler” was the perfect title for Greg, as he crossed the globe with his desire to help those in need through the church, visiting Russia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Germany, and El Salvador.
Greg met the love of his life, Sumiko, when both were working for the church in Philadelphia in 1977, but it wasn’t until two years later that they were matched by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Greg was uncharacteristically unable to speak but was overjoyed to accept the match. Greg’s affinity for music played a role in his relationship, as Sumiko says she fell in love with Greg when he led their team in a rendition of “You are My Sunshine” in Sumiko’s honor. The two were blessed at Madison Square Garden in a ceremony presided by Rev. Moon himself on July 1, 1982. In 1983, they welcomed their first daughter, Miyo, into the world. In 1986, their second daughter, Misook, completed their family.
Greg was an incredibly passionate person. Once Greg showed an interest in something, his enthusiasm, eagerness, and excitement would propel him extensively into that subject. When Greg was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it drastically limited his ability to move. Greg’s drive to not let his illness define him led him to discover a new love in recumbent trikes. Not only was he elated to gain back some of his mobility with his trike, he wanted to share his triumph in the hope that his success story could help others in similar positions. He opened up his own trike store called Your Trike Spirit, which he operated for almost a decade, and led him to meet many other members of the trike community nationwide.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday December 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM EDT (Viewing begins at 12:00 PM)
Location: Claude R. Boyd-Caratozzolo Funeral Home (1785 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729)
For more information on how you can support the family, including sending flowers, you can visit the funeral home website here.
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
7 Rose Hill Dr, Bear, DE 19701
