[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE OF SANDRA JEAN CALDWELL ``SANDY'' DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2026

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my 
friend Ms. Sandra Jean Caldwell ``Sandy'' Davis, who passed away on 
March 17, 2026, at the age of 79.
  Ms. Davis was born on August 9, 1946, in Radford, Virginia. Her 
upbringing in rural Virginia included graduating from nearby Floyd 
County High School.
  After graduation, Ms. Davis pursued lengthy careers in Southwest 
Virginia. Her first career path focused on the Commonwealth of 
Virginia's Health Department. This line of work provided her the 
opportunity to serve the public health needs of communities in the New 
River Valley, primarily in Radford and nearby Giles County.
  In addition to addressing local health care challenges, Ms. Davis 
developed a reputable career in banking and finance. She rose to senior 
vice president at the Bank of Christiansburg, the first woman in 
Southwest Virginia to achieve that position.
  Together with her first husband, Patrick C. Cupp, Ms. Davis founded 
BCR Real Estate and Property Management. Their company would be 
foundational in supplying housing to college students seeking to attend 
two of Southwest Virginia's premier academic institutions, Virginia 
Tech and Radford University.
  Moreover, Ms. Davis dedicated significant attention and resources to 
higher education and athletics at these institutions. She served on the 
Board of Visitors for Radford University and Virginia Tech. Ms. Davis 
also devoted time to the Board of Directors for the New River Community 
College in Pulaski County, Virginia.
  More scholarship opportunities are available to students and student-
athletes thanks to Ms. Davis' contributions. In 2018, she and her 
second husband, Jack Davis, a renowned author and historian, made a 
landmark $8 million donation to Radford, which was one of the largest 
gifts in the school's history. Additionally, Radford University's 
Athletic Director credits Ms. Davis' impact on Radford Athletics, 
saying she helped create opportunities for student-athletes to pursue 
excellence and represent Radford with pride.
  New River Valley communities and schools recognized Ms. Davis for her 
excellent work and profound charity. Among her highly esteemed 
accolades, both the Blacksburg Rotary Club and Montgomery County 
Chamber awarded her Citizen of the Year. In 2022, Ms. Davis was 
inducted into the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame.
  Besides her husband of 23 years, Jack, Ms. Davis is survived by her 
sister, Mildred Weddle; two stepchildren; and more than a dozen nieces 
and nephews.
  I join the New River Valley in mourning the loss of a philanthropic 
titan, education advocate, and community leader. Throughout her career 
of service and business, Southwest Virginia communities received 
support. Ms. Davis will continue to be remembered for her significant 
impact on our region.

                          ____________________