NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The family of a food delivery driver killed by a stray bullet Sunday is speaking out about his determination to build a better life for his children.

David Valentine Jr. moved to the Midstate from West Tennessee with plans to make a difference, his aunt and mentor Bernice Lofties said.

“He was very determined to make it, to be, as he called himself, the boss man, to be that entrepreneur, getting his life on track, to be able to do the things that he desired to do, to be able to provide for his children,” Lofties said. “So, he was just, he was just a very loving person. He really was.”

Valentine and his aunt were working on launching a business idea that he planned to use to provide for his two sons. He was delivering food for DoorDash in the meantime to earn extra money.

Police say Valentine and his girlfriend had just finished a DoorDash order Sunday morning when he was driving along Murfreesboro Pike. He was hit by a stray bullet from shots fired in the area of the 888 Lounge.

Valentine was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.

“That was just very heartbreaking for me to see someone who has really turned their life around on the right track,” Lofties said.

Lofties said she will miss Valentine’s smile and his voice most of all.

“Even when he called my name, I mean, I’m truly gonna miss that, uh, about him and his determination that I saw in a young man who wants to be there to provide… Not just make a difference, but be the difference,” she said.

Valentine wanted to be an example for his sons, Lofties said.

“He wanted people to know his name, to say, I made a comeback, that I made a difference in my community, in my children’s life, you know, in my family, by name, by my name, which is David Valentine,” she said.

The family says they need prayers most as detectives work to find the person responsible. They want Valentine to be remembered for the love he showed those he knew in his short time with them.

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