Dardraytus Deshawn Tyler

Dardraytus Tyler, known as “Dray,” was a student, friend, and basketball player at Richwood Middle School. His new journey, ninth grade, was Wossman High School, by whom he was scouted. He was 14 years old, a tall young man, 6’2” and still growing, with big dreams that he was ready to live on. God’s journey for Dray was bigger and better than anything or anyone. He was born July 10, 2007, to Temekia Tyler and Dardraytus Vaughn.
 

He departed his life May 31, 2022. Dray was loved by many people, and he loved his family. He was a son, cousin, and like a brother to many of his cousins. He was the best brother to be known, grandson, friend, nephew, and a blessing to others. He enjoyed and played all sports, but basketball the most! His granny was his pride and joy. His goal was to become an NBA player. Dray would make money by mowing lawns around the neighborhood, drawing, and making people laugh. If you had a good day, he made it better, and if it was a difficult day for you, being around Dray made you forget about the storm you were in and made you laugh. He was competitive; he was not afraid to get out there. And he would help the world if he could. Dray, you are one of the best cousins we ever had. He would pick on us from time to time, played with us all the time. Dray was nice and would sing “Granny” just because. He was an all-the-round kid whom everyone knew.
 

He also had a chance to bond with his dad over the phone and when he was in town. Uncle Mike, I know you are wondering if you are mentioned. “Yes, Uncle, you are!” You were my friend, my go-to pops even though you are my uncle, and a tall man with a big heart.
We laughed and joked around, and serious guy talk at times. One thing for certain, Uncle Mike, you and Aunt Tricia are God-sent.
Thank you for the time you gave and the love you shared. Dray sometimes got bored easy or needed more money. After working on the outside he would come inside the house with his mom, asking if there was anything he could do, with his arms wrapped around his mom’s shoulders. They locked eyes and smiled with one another. Dray, God knew you were the one to save. He took pain, God loved him more, there was no shame. Dray, you were loved dearly, and you will be missed. At this time, we must let go.
 

Your memories we will keep a flow. Rest, dear Dray, with peace of mind. Your memories will live on through. Dray leaves to cherish his memory: his dad, Dardraytus Vaughan; mom, Temekia Tyler; siblings, John McGee, Elnoria McGee, Kamara Vaughan, and Elijah Rodgers; grandmothers, Mary Berry (Jerry Berry) and Patricia Vaughan of Vicksburg, Mississippi; grandpas, Darrel Jones of Orlando, Florida, the late Gilbert Armstrong (Frank), and the late Willie Jones; great-grandmother, Charley Jones of Tallulah, Louisiana; aunts, Alexis Neal of Ruston, Louisiana, Bailey Thornton of Haines, Florida, Cassandra Tyler Griffin (Eric Griffin, Sr.) Patricia Johnson (Michael Johnson), the late Kimilee Henderson-Douglass, and Cynthia Jones of Tallulah, Louisiana; uncles, Marcus Tyler (Ashely Ellis), Gilbert Tyler, the late Gary B. Tyler, Drayton (Thelma) Jones of Apopka, Florida; favorite cousin, Jeremiah Griffin; cousin and sports buddy, Eric Griffin, Jr.; and a host of cousins, all family, and friends.

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