[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1187-E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LAVEL NORMAN DAVIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2022

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
brilliant student and gifted athlete. Lavel Norman Davis, Jr., 
affectionately known as Tyler, was called too soon to his heavenly home 
on November 13, 2022, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Although he is no 
longer with us, memory of his unbreakable spirit will remain a beacon 
for all who knew him.
  Tyler Davis was born on January 7, 2002, in Ridgeville, South 
Carolina to Thaddeus Lavel

[[Page E1188]]

Davis and Fallom Simone Davis. Tyler attended Harleyville-Ridgeville 
Elementary, Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle School 
and Woodland High School in Dorchester, South Carolina. Throughout his 
primary education, Tyler established his excellence both on and off the 
field. He maintained a 3.577 GPA, A-B Honor Roll status, and 
concurrently earned certification as a Nursing Assistant through the 
Dorchester County Career School. Tyler was also a dedicated multi-sport 
athlete, playing football, soccer, basketball, and running track. Tyler 
graduated from Woodland in June of 2020.
  After receiving several football scholarship offers, Tyler selected 
the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in order to benefit from 
both their rigorous academic and athletic programs. He immediately rose 
to the occasion and would finish his freshman season ranked second in 
the nation and first in the ACC for wide receivers. Even after 
suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for his sophomore season, he 
remained a force of inspiration and motivation to his teammates. He was 
anticipated to graduate in December of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in 
African American Studies, after which he aspired to play football 
professionally and give back to the community by opening a local Boys 
and Girls Club.
  As a giant on the field, Tyler was recognized with several athletic 
honors. After just his first game with the Cavaliers, he was named the 
ACC's ``Receiver of the Week.'' Tyler was an All-American and became 
two-time ``Rookie of the Year.'' His persistent leadership throughout 
his athletic injury in 2021 earned him the 2022-2023 Danny Lee Fassio 
Family Bicentennial Scholarship. He was also nominated by the College 
Sports Communicators, the Associated Press, and the Fiesta Bowl 
Organization to the ``Come Back Player of the Year'' Watch List for the 
2022 season, as he was projected to thrive in his return from his 
injury. His high school jersey, #13, was also retired in his honor.
  Tyler was an active member of several social organizations. In high 
school, he was a proud member of the National Technical Honor Society 
and the Athletics Leading in Literacy (ALL) Program. He used his 
Nursing Assistant certification to volunteer with the elderly in his 
community. In college, Tyler was a participant of the UVA Football 
Thursday's Heroes Program, which supports local residents who are 
facing medical challenges. He was also an exemplary member of the 
``Groundskeepers,'' a group of fellow UVA football players who advocate 
for racial and social justice. Despite his busy social, academic, and 
athletic life in Charlottesville, Tyler never forgot his roots in South 
Carolina and returned regularly to Woodland High School to mentor and 
motivate students to pursue their dreams.
  Tyler was a devout Christian, and his love of God was fostered at 
Bethel AME Church. The principles of his faith guided him throughout 
his life and shaped his resilient character. He is lovingly remembered 
by his parents, Thaddeus and Fallom, his two younger siblings, Taniya 
Skylar and Teigan Jeremiah Hollins Davis, his grandparents, Monroe and 
Cynthia Lampkin, Thaddeus (Deloris) Davis and Linda Varner, and his 
great grandfather, Herman Davis.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
the life of Lavel ``Tyler'' Norman Davis, Jr. Despite his youth, he 
touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. As we remember him 
and mourn his loss, may we draw strength from the very resilience and 
kindheartedness that led Tyler to live such an impactful life.

                          ____________________