Waycross Memories

Some stories are too good to keep in the comment section and risk that you might not get to read them! This is such a story.... (it was submitted by my brother-in-law, Gregg)

I have several "favorites" as well when it comes to "experiencing" the music...let me tell you of one such "experience"...

It was probably early 90s in Waycross, GA when they really had "all-nite" sings. Me, my brother (your husband) and a friend that shall remain nameless decided to walk across the four lane that ran by the stadium while one of our "not so favorite" groups sang and get a waffle. The McGruders were not supposed to be on until later in the program and if truth be known that was the main reason for us coming. We made our way over and was almost finished with our culinary delight when the door swung open and someone screamed "THE MCGRUDERS ARE ON!!!!" Without our permission or knowledge they had switched the program up and we had missed the McGruders, or almost! We heard the electric guitar through the night air, kick off that unmistakable lick for "Warmin Up" and we tore out of Waffle House, throwing our money on the counter in our haste leaving a bewildered, heavily tipped waitress standing there.

We crossed four lanes of traffic ( I would say "dodged" four lanes, but we never looked, I guess either the cars or God (probably both) were looking out for us)...We ran through the back gate and up to the bottom of the stage just as Carroll screamed..."God Bless You" "Good Night"...or something like that...

But alas, as was always the case, the crowd screamed and screamed until the did an encore or two and left us in a tizzy...

I will always remember that concert and that moment. The thing that people can't put into words about the McGruders has to do with them believing every word they sang. No one ever questioned whether it was "ministry" or "entertainment". It was both. It was entertaining to watch them minister and a blessing to your soul at the same time. I wish we had more like them.

As far as Priscilla goes. She was the one that brought class and validity to what they sang and stood for. One look at her sing one verse and you knew she believed and lived what she sang. Carroll of course did the same but something about her made you realize they were the real deal.

Wish she was still here...