Family and friends gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of the Chesterfield motorcyclist killed along a North Carolina highway last week.
A ceremony was held at St. Paul Baptist Church in Henrico. Bikers from all over Virginia and even out of state led the funeral procession for Ken Jefferson.
“We’re out here to show our support for the family and in solidarity for a fellow bike rider,” said Beverly Ellis, with the Red Knights Chapter 1.
Nearly 1,000 of them—sporting different colors, united to pay their respects.
“It was overwhelming when we first pulled up and saw the parking lot full of bikes,” said Ellis.
“Something happens to one of us, we get together,” said Robert Parrish with Tru Ryderz Richmond/
The 51-year-old was on his way to Atlanta with five other motorcyclists when a tractor trailer slammed into them on the side of the highway. Officials say the group was resting off I-85 when the collision happened. A man from Woodbridge died at the scene. Jefferson died at the hospital two days later.
“It’s always hard to lose someone and I know what it’s like to lose a fellow rider, and I know what it’s like to lose a family member. He was a loved father, uncle, cousin, nephew, the whole nine yards. And from the Tru Ryderz to the Black Eagle Riders, anything you need, you have our support,” said Parrish.
Jefferson leaves behind four daughters, 11 granddaughters and a fiancée he was supposed to marry in the fall.
“The show of love from different nationalities, different backgrounds, everyone coming together under one core reason and that is to show love and give back to the Jefferson family and Black Eagle Riders,” said Parrish.
Those who knew him say Jefferson was a die-hard rider, and a true Harley Davidson man.
He’d been working as a UPS tractor trailer driver for 31 years, and had a passion for giving back to the community.
Saturday the biker community gave back to him.
“When you’re in need, the community comes together. And that’s what it’s all about,” said Parrish.
