Tavarie Taylor
Johnathan Tavarie Taylor is a 1995 Graduate of Pendleton High School and a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University where he earned a BA degree in Psychology and was a member of the SWU Men's Basketball team.
Tavarie loves people and is especially concerned and involved with the well-being of the youth, and he devotes much of his spare time to helping others. In the past, he has worked as a counselor for Upward Bound and as a counselor for MAPPS, a program for Middle and HS youth. He has also volunteered as a basketball coach for Central-Clemson Rec teams and for Carolina Thunder travel teams.
Currently, Tavarie attends Greater Faith Baptist Church, where he serves on the Deacon Board and oversees the church’s Lawn Care Outreach Ministry for elderly citizens. He is also a member of the Pendleton Rhinos where he serves as the Director of Community Service and Mentors.
Tavarie’s family says he is always willing to help where he can and goes out of his way to do so. Recently, on a local social media group page, someone asked for a reference for someone who prints shirts in the area, and Tavarie’s business was recommended. A third person commented just to relate a story about Tavarie from years ago. This lady was with her children at the Neighborhood WalMart, and her 2 year old was having a complete meltdown. She was having a difficult time getting the groceries to her car while her son was crying and upset. Then, as she was putting groceries in her car, Tavarie noticed her struggle, and walked over to talk to the upset child. This simple action calmed the child and gave the mom much relief. She said that gesture made a big difference for her on that day, as evidenced by her recall of it years later.
Today, Tavarie is the owner and operator of two local businesses: Love Matters Tees and Mr. Right Lawn Care.
Jerry Brown
Jerry P. Brown was the first African American varsity football quarterback during the 1971-72 season at D.W. Daniel High School, the first African American student body President, and co-captain of the varsity basketball team. During his tenure, he received numerous awards and recognition. He was inducted into the 2021 Hall of Fame class at D.W. Daniel High School.
Jerry was an Honor Roll student as well as a member of the Beta Club, French Club, Student Council, and the Block D Club. He also has 6th Degree Black belt in karate.
After graduation, he matriculated at Clemson University from 1973-1978. He was a member of the Army ROTC program which inspired his stint in the U.S. Army. He served in the army from 1978 until his retirement in 2007 as a Full Colonel.
He married his college sweetheart and fathered three daughters and now has three grandchildren.
Today he resides in New Hampshire and has been a proud business owner since 2014.
.
