Tyree L. Myers of Laurel is remembered by many for his love of horses and as being one of the first to integrated the public schools here.

Myers, 57, died March 20 and is scheduled to be laid to rest on Saturday at Nora Davis Cemetery.

Myers, an avid animal lover, attended Oak Park High School of Laurel and later became the first black man to attend R.H. Watkins High School where he played football.

Billy Miller, a 1969 graduate of Watkins and a classmate of Myers, recalled those early days of integration that Myers and others faced.

“When they first started integrating in the school year 1966-67, they just let a few of us go over there that year,” Miller said. “I wasn’t in the first group. The federal government had to get in it and then some of us were allowed to go. ... It was really rough, but all in all it was worth it.”

Miller said Myers and his sister, Peggy Miller Keyes, who were then sophomores, were among the first to attend the then-all white school.

“I went to Watkins my junior year, which was the 1967-68 School Year,” Miller recalls. “We (Miller, Keyes and Myers), were in the same class and I remember him being very outgoing.”

After graduating from Watkins, Myers later moved to New Orleans for a period of time. He became the founder of the LA Posie Horse Rider. He later returned to Laurel and joined the Street Riders and became a member of Second Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Myers was a cross country truck driver that had a passion for animals. Those who knew him said horses stole his heart and when he retired from driving trucks, he spent some of his time caring for his horses.

Myers is remembered by many as a loving son, father, brother and friend.

“He was a loving, kind and giving individual,” said Edith Wade of Lexington, Myers’ sister. “He loved his family and his community.”

Rose Welch, Myers’ other sister, agreed.

“I will always remember his love for horses and animals,” Welch said. “He was a lovable person who loved to help elderly people.”

“He was an excellent horse trainer,” Wade recalls. “He always had his horses in the Christmas parade.”

Malone Funeral Home is in charge of funeral services for Myers, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Second Allen A.M.E. Church. Visitation will be from noon until 3 p.m. at the church.