A death in the family

[KyzrSoze]

My uncle past away this week. He was only seven years older than me and was more like a big brother than an uncle.


Driver dies of injuries at Talladega track

Associated Press


TALLADEGA, Ala. - A Georgia man on a corporate outing has died of injuries from an on-track crash at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Tony Davis, 43, of Fayetteville, Ga., was driving a Ford Taurus provided by the Racing Experience driving school when he crashed Tuesday. He was air-lifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he died Thursday night.

Kelly Bussey, president and CEO of Racing Experience, based in Mooresville, N.C., said Davis had just completed a six-lap, high-speed tour around the track as part of a Bruno's Supermarkets Inc. employees corporate outing when something went wrong. Davis was a loss prevention manager at Bruno's.

"Tony was more than a manager here at Bruno's," said Bruce Efird, Bruno's executive vice president, extending condolences to his family. "He was a friend and colleague with whom I have had the privilege of knowing and respecting."

Davis had taken the checkered flag at the start/finish line and begun the shut-down procedure to bring the car to the pits when it veered into the outside wall down the track's long backstretch.

A veteran driving-school employee whom Bussey declined to identify was treated for minor injuries.

Talladega Superspeedway Vice President Rick Humphrey confirmed that track officials kept the car for its investigation.

"Our thoughts are with the family and everyone involved. It has been a very difficult week for us, but especially difficult for that family," Humphrey said.

Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jimmy Kilgore said an incident report was taken on Friday, but his department is conducting no official investigation.

Davis was a 1980 graduate of Forest Park High School in Forest Park, Ga., and played football four seasons at Jacksonville State University.

Davis is survived by his wife, Beth, and three children.

[Myshkin]

:( My condolences to you and your family. :(

[Wazza]

:(

All I can say is best of luck for yourself and family, for going through this tough time. :Sad:

[Frank N. O.]

:( My condolences to you and your family. :(I can't say it better than that :(

Frank

[[XR]Bug]

I give my best to his friends and family. they will be in our prayers.

sean

[JLK]

So sorry to hear about your loss Kyzr. :(
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.

Jim

[DC_Targa]

So sorry to learn about the loss in your family. It's gotta be tough for all the family, for wife and kids and all. My prayers are with you.

Take care my friend,

Dennis

[VQ]

:( My condolences to you and your family. :(
I can't say it any better then that either.

[chris]

:( My condolences to you and your family. :(

I'll also echo those comments.

[Y2kGoofball]

me too,

how sad and yet another good person lost for no good reason :mad:

I'm sure like all good people he's gone to the best place anyone can go and I wish the family all the best in getting through what will be a rough time

I hope your all smiling soon :Pamper: (sorry but thats the best smiley there)

[Bage]

My best to you and your family

/bage

[Commander]

I am very sorry to hear that. It is quite a shocking event. My condolences to you and your family. :(

[KyzrSoze]

I am planning on adding more info to the thread soon, but I see that I probably placed it in the wrong forum. If so please move it. Sorry, I obviously wasnt focusing on that when I posted.

[Nappe1]

My condolences as well.

getting over it may take time, but eventually, it will happen. Sorrow will fade away with the time, but the love and the good memories never.



During my short life, I have already lost 3 very good friends and one friend's close relative. (without counting my own relatives that have died naturally.)

[[XR]Neo_]

My thoughts are with ya Kyzr :(

Good luck..

- [XR]Neo_

[WCOutlaw]

Wow Kyzr, I'm very sorry to hear that. :(

As others have also said, I offer my condolences to you and your family. All the best to you in this rough time.

[[XR]SUE52]

I feel
My sorrow is all yours
I am so very sorry

Let the love of of your friends embrace you always
Comfort can be had from your dear ones

Hugs
Sue :love: :Peace: :love:

[KyzrSoze]

Thanks all for your words of comfort and encouragement. I have been a little depressed about the whole situation, but not nearly as emotionally affected as those who have daily interaction with Tony, my uncle.

When this happened he was out of state, attending an employer sponsored event that featured the opportunity to drive a NASCAR machine (a Ford Taurus on a 2000 season NASCAR chassis) around the track at Talladega. As the article reads, he crossed the finish line for the final time and began the shutdown lap. At that point hose at the track say that car made an abrupt (nearly right angle) turn into the wall, Dale Earnhardt style. No other cars were involved.

The nature of the accident (if eyewitness accounts can be trusted) suggests that a broken component in the steering or front suspension could be to blame, but all of my info is second and third hand, so I am making no accusations. I would imagine that the truth will be debated in a more formal manner in the future.

Though he spent all of last week in the hospital, the truth is that Tony lost consciousness within minutes of the accident and never got any better. His spinal chord was severed in several places. His employer was incredibly helpful over the course of the week, providing a chartered jet to bring family to Alabama, and providing hotel rooms for visiting family throughout the ordeal. The Cathy family, owners of the Chick-fil-a restaurant chain, is members of Tony’s church in Georgia. They made sure that food was provided to everyone at the hospital for every meal for the entire week. It is amazing how good people can be.

Tony was a large man; 6’6” tall, 275 pounds, and participated in sports all of his life. His football career was cut short when he injured his back in college. He had previously been in talks with the Dallas Cowboys, but… A visitor to the funeral home told me that she was the parent of one of the kids that Tony had coached in baseball in the 2004 season. He had just purchased a home in a different county and would not be returning as a coach in 2005. At the team banquet a few weeks ago, he gave each of the kids a trophy and a hug. He told them goodbye and that he would not be returning next year. He had no idea how true this would be.

Another visitor came to see Tony in the hospital. He was wheelchair bound and related the story of how he fell from his roof a few years ago and damaged his spine. He spoke of how Tony was the one he remembered visiting him in the hospital day after day, speaking words of encouragement and helping him through the tough spots.

I have pondered many things in the past week, but the thing that sticks with me is this. If you should die tomorrow, make sure that those left behind will speak of what you did to help them. Leave a legacy. Tony had over 700 people attend his funeral. How many will attend yours?

[Perko_Rulz]

My Deepest sympathies go out towards you and your family. I am guessing that he enjoyed NASCAR. If so, he died doing something he enjoyed.

[Remko]

I'm very sorry to hear of the unexpected death of your uncle, Kyzr, sounds like he was a great man. Quite a shock, I wish you and your family lots of strength in these sad times.
And thanks for the food for thought.

[Acca Tacka]

Sorry to hear that Fred, it seems thers alot of kaos going around latly.
I just hope that he rest's in peace.

[bogs]

Sorry for hitting this thread so late , Kyzr , and to hear about your uncle . My best wishes go out to you and yours as many others here have listed already .

[KyzrSoze]

I am adding to this old thread because Friday marked the one year anniversary of this tragic event. It could have been just a bad day, but it turned out a shade better.

My uncle, Tony Davis was a very good football player (american football, not soccer). When he graduated from high school he had the opportunity to choose from 20 or so universities on a football scholarship. In his senior year of college his team won their division, and as luck would have it he caught the final pass - and scored the final touchdown - in the final game - sealing the championship. A movie quality ending.

My cousin, Dustin Davis, is Tony's oldest son. He too is a football player, a sophomore in high school and the starting middle linebacker for his team. He wears the championship ring his father received in college, and though he was always interested in football, he has played with ferocious inspiration since his father passed away. As luck would have it, the head coach of his team was the offensive coordinator for Tony's college team.

Friday would be a difficult day for Dustin and the rest of his family, so my father, who has never missed one of Dustin's games in the last year, and many other family members attended his football game that nite. It wasnt a championship or anything that important, but once again it was a movie quality ending. The game went into overtime, the two teams tied - and Dustin intercepted a pass, running it back for a touchdown and bringing victory to his team.

Its not really a movie I know, and it doesn't affect much of the world, only a small handful of people, but I'll bet that Dustin went to bed and slept much better last nite - proud to be following in his father's footsteps. It was as good an ending as one could hope for on such a somber anniversary.

[Remko]

Well, that was touching to read. Thanks for sharing. :)
It was as good an ending as one could hope for on such a somber anniversary.
Indeed. ;)

[bogs]

Its not really a movie I know, and it doesn't affect much of the world, only a small handful of people, but I'll bet that Dustin went to bed and slept much better last nite - proud to be following in his father's footsteps.

Things and events are important only because they are important to someone .

This may not be of "earth shaking" importance to the general population , indeed , but that makes it no less than that to you and your family .

That would seem to be what matters most , isn't it?

Continued best wishes to you and yours , Kyz.