Легендарный баскетболист Чад Дэвис скончался в возрасте 51 года после борьбы с раком

Chad Lavelle Davis Chad Lavelle Davis, 51, was born on October 30, 1974, and passed away on August 28, 2026, at home, surrounded by his nearest and dearest loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Alfreda Davis; grandparents Hampton and Bernice Roberts and Chester Sr. and Mary Davis; uncles Hampton Roberts and Ronnie Davis; and aunt Patricia Davis. Chad leaves to cherish his memory his son, Kolby Tramayne Davis; his brother, Kerrick Brown, grandchildren Kolby Tramayne Davis Jr. and Sky’Ann Davis, aunts, caregiver Geneva Maffett (Joe), Jeanette (Johnny Steagall), and Wilma Upshur, and uncles, Maxwell (Thesseleaner) Roberts, Matthew (Willie) Roberts, Danny Ray Roberts, and Gerald (Roxie) Davis, Godmother Rev. Priscilla Wallace, goddaughter, Monica Mastin, and devoted and loving caregiver, cousin Karcinda Roberts. Chad was best known as one of the finest basketball players of his era, starring as point guard for Brainerd High School from 1989 to 1993. His life, both on and off the court, was profoundly shaped by Coach Robert High, who remained a steady, positive presence in Chad’s life until the very end. A rare talent, Chad earned a starting spot on Brainerd’s varsity team as a freshman. His skill and athleticism earned him the nicknames “Takeoff” and “Primetime.” In 1992, he helped lead his team to a state basketball championship, and in 1993 he set a scoring record at Brainerd High School that still stands today. In 2023, the school honored his legacy with a ceremony retiring his number 3 jersey. Chad went on to attend Tennessee State University on a basketball scholarship. Years later, a serious car accident nearly took his life — an ordeal that, against all odds, he survived. Hospital staff gave him the nickname “Lazarus,” astonished that he had lived through injuries that should have been fatal. The road to recovery was long, but through treatment, faith, and prayer, Chad emerged renewed. His speech and spirit returned, and that unmistakable smile shone brighter than ever. He moved in with his cousin, Karcinda, and later with his aunt Geneva, where he took on the role of caregiver himself, helping look after her husband during his declining health. Just as life seemed to be turning in a bright new direction, Chad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Through it all, his aunt Geneva remained one of the great loves of his life — she always introduced him simply as her “son.” During his battle with cancer, he would climb into her bed, close to her, rest his head on her pillow, and tell her, “I love you. I feel so safe and peaceful around you.” Chad fought with grace, strength, and an unwavering positive spirit until the end. He will be remembered as a champion, a fighter, and a beloved son, father, brother, and friend — and that infectious smile will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Public viewing will begin at 2 p.m and family visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m on Friday, Sept. 11, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Monumental Baptist Church, 901 Woodmore Lane. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.