International Day of Happiness

March 20 is International Day of Happiness but one man at a local retirement community celebrates every day by making it his mission to bring a little happiness to fellow residents.

At 92 years old, Dr. Phil Davis is still able to get around without any trouble.

Dr. Davis says, “There are a lot of people here that can't walk those distances and it doesn't bother me at all.”

So Dr. Davis goes to them. He lives at Buckner Villas Senior Retirement Community where he spends his days visiting fellow residents, like Mary Guerrant.

Guerrant says, “It's wonderful because we discuss politics on which we disagree violently.  And we discuss history and religion and what's going on in the world so we have some very good conversations.”

“I think we get far more out of it because there's more of us and one of him,” Guerrant adds.

Dr. Davis estimates he visits at least 35 residents every week.

“I was doing some of that before my wife died and I picked up after she died because I couldn't sit there and look at the walls, I needed to do something.  I couldn't go out and drive Meals on Wheels or work on Habitat for Humanity houses or work at a soup kitchen,” Dr. Davis says.

Dr. Davis’ wife, Joyce, passed away two years ago. The two had been married 68 years. He's also lost two of his sons within the last few years both of them died of coronary artery disease.

To help cope with losing his loved ones, Dr. Davis says he knows his wife would encourage him to get out and visit his neighbors who could benefit from his company.

“You've talked enough, now get up off your duff and do something,” Dr. Davis says laughing.

And those he visits say they are spreading the word about Dr. Davis.

Guerrant says, “I told several people about Phil and they've said oh I would love for him to come visit us.”

Dr. Davis says it’s fun too because “we want to talk about the good ole days because none of us can remember what we had for breakfast.”

But Dr. Davis always remembers where they're from and their interests and he'll continue to spend his time giving his companionship to others as long as he's able.

“I must admit, and I don't want to break my arm patting myself on the back, but I must admit I like it when people invite me to come back,” Dr. Davis says. “It’s very rewarding. I get more out of it than they do.”