Radio DJ, Shaw Graduate Remembered At CIAA Tournament

Chester Davis, a Shaw graduate whose voice could be heard on 1550 WCLY, died Feb. 23. He was in a coma for seven weeks after suffering a heart attack on New Year's Eve.

"He has been my rock. Every day, he had a smile on his face, and you know that was Chester. That's just Chester," said Thomas Hill, Davis' radio partner for 30 years.

That smile was the way people always pictured Davis. He died Feb. 23, the same day the CIAA tournament started.

Donal Ware joined Davis calling Shaw games 1½ years ago. He said Davis is irreplaceable.

"He did play-by-play, and I did color," he said. "He'll be missed a great deal not only to Shaw but the community and in general to the CIAA."

Davis' voice on press row may have been silenced, but his presence at the tournament will always be felt.

"He needed a better seat. He needed a seat from above and be kind of the guardian angel for the Shaw University Bears. So, he will definitely, definitely be missed," Reekitta Grimes said.

Many said Davis was a dedicated and proud supporter of his alma mater and the CIAA. When other schools were short an announcer to call their games, they would ask Davis for his assistance. Davis' funeral was held Saturday in Wake Forest.

A brief memorial tribute will be held at noon Tuesday at the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel at Shaw University. The public is invited.