With Sympathy: Remembering Our Fallen Wildcats
While death is indeed inevitable, it does not lessen the sting of grief. Over the past several weeks, our Wildcat Family has experienced the loss of many beloved alumni and friends, including three within the past few days. We ask that you keep the families of the following Wildcats in your thoughts and prayers:
Mr. John Taylor, Jr. ’68 passed away on June 9. He was a member of the FVSUNAA Fort Valley Area Alumni Chapter and a retired employee of the University. He was funeralized on June 15 at Trinity Baptist Church in Fort Valley.
Dr. Rashida J. Davis ’00 passed away on June 23. She was a life member of the Association, member of the FVSUNAA DeKalb Alumni Chapter, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a dedicated educator in the DeKalb County School District. She was funeralized on July 2 at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Albany.
CW4 (Ret.) Fred J. Catchings ’75, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., passed away on June 29. He honorably served in the United States Army for more than 25 years. He will be funeralized on Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. at First African Baptist Church in Columbus.
Mr. George C. Washington ’73, affectionately known as "Cowboy," passed away on July 7. Cowboy was a beloved fixture in the Fort Valley community and a devoted supporter of Wildcat Athletics. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Reverend Michael A. Gregory, Jr. ’19 passed away on July 7. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Michael earned his degree in Media Studies and was a gifted photographer and digital content creator. During his time at Fort Valley State University, he faithfully served as Campus Minister from 2015 to 2019, leaving a lasting spiritual impact on countless students including myself. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Mr. Christopher Adams ’11 passed away on July 7. Brother Adams was a life member of the Association, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and worked as an accounting technician in the logistics industry. He will be funeralized on Tuesday, July 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Samuel Grove Baptist Church in Tennille.
While we are saddened by these tremendous losses, we take comfort in knowing that each of these Wildcats has found eternal rest. Please continue to keep their families, our Wildcat Family, our beloved University, and all who are grieving around the world in your thoughts and prayers.
In True Wildcat Spirit,
Garren M. Walker
28th National President
Fort Valley State University
National Alumni Association, Inc.
