Doug Davidson, who joined Laurel River Line just 8 months ago on resonator guitar, passed away yesterday after a short and tragic bout with cancer. He was 45 years old.
Matt Scarborough, the band’s mandolinist, tells us that Doug fell ill in June, but doctors were unable to provide any help. He was hospitalized earlier this month, and a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer came just a few weeks ago.
Though an initial survival prognosis of several months to a year was offered at the time, Doug died on October 21. A funeral is scheduled for this Friday (10/25/13) at the Lakes Funeral Home in McKee, KY.
Davidson was born in Hamilton, OH but had family in central Kentucky where Laurel River Line is based. He and his wife had a farm in nearby Jackson County and were building on to their house when Doug got sick this summer.
Most of his life had been dedicated to country music, as a singer and guitarist. He met up with the band purely by chance and when he came over with his guitar to jam, they mentioned that they had a guitar player, but could really use a fiddle or dobro. So Doug bought a reso-guitar, and showed up a week later able to get around on his new axe. He quickly developed on the instrument and was playing shows with the band in no time.
Matt shared what is surely a widespread sentiment among Davidson’s family and friends.
“There is just no way to prepare yourself for something like. When the word cancer comes up, you never know how long it will be. We prayed for a miracle, but these things happen in their own time.
He was an inspiration to all of us. We learned so much in the short time we knew Doug.”
Laurel River Line will sing at the funeral on Friday, which Matt expects to be a difficult and emotional experience.
Messages of condolence can be left on the funeral home web site.
