Hooked on an eight second ride!
Chris was one of thirteen children in a complex family. Nine girls and four boys comprised his five stepsisters, one stepbrother, three half siblings, and one full sibling, Chandra. Of all his brothers and sisters, he was closest to Chandra and often sweetly acknowledged, “I love you sissy. You are one of my very best friends.” She and Chris, along with his good friend Mac, ran the streets together when they were young. Mac and Chris were inseparable from the start and remained best friends for thirty years.
Ever the thrill-seeker, Chris lived exactly the way he wanted. His mother tried to counter his dynamic energy by limiting his sugar intake, but a more practical approach was giving his inner daredevil an outlet. He proved himself to be a natural bull rider from a young age, with talent like no one had seen, and old rodeo cowboys said he was born to ride. His adopted brother, DJ, shared his affinity, and nothing amped them up like rocking out to “Hooked on an 8 Second Ride” before the rodeo.
Chris also loved outdoor activities, like camping and fishing with his family. One time, he reeled in an enormous catfish at Gunlock reservoir. It measured nearly as big as his then six-year-old body, and Chris paraded his unwieldy catch around triumphantly to everyone in sight.
Other childhood memories held a quiet excitement. He and Chandra would regularly visit Grandma Ingrid in Palm Springs, California, and every time, she’d stop the truck, let the kids hop into the bed, and coast through the orange groves. That way, they could drift through the open air, past the blossoms and fruits, and breath in their citrusy fragrance.
When Chris got older, his tender heart led him to three significant relationships, where he achieved his greatest accomplishment: having children of his own. He had his first, Gavin, with his first love, Jade-they were together for about five years. Then, there was Britney, and though their connection was short-lived, they had a son together too, Dacen. Chris maintained great relationships with his children’s mothers even after splitting, and Chris taught Gavin skateboarding when he was two. His last love was Katie, and they shared seven beautiful years.
Much of Chris’s life was in and out of prison. He was released after seven years, in October 2023. This fell before his birthday, which was on Thanksgiving, and Chandra stopped to see him. After eight years of separation, they reconnected in a warm embrace that would be their last.
Since Chris’s passing, Chandra helps educate their others about substance use disorder (SUD). Chandra and their mother, who are in recovery, intimately understood Chris’s struggles. Countless people remember Chris for his character, heart, and for saving their lives. Chandra’s peer support specialist work for a behavioral health agency similarly impacts her community. Chris and his family’s efforts reflect the interconnectedness of people affected by SUD and the powerful support they provide each other, a power that remains even beyond loss.
Chris’s sister, Chandra Davis-Taylor, provided the information for this
narrative.
November 23, 1979-November 18, 2024–Age 45
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Willow Kline
