Clarence Eugene Byrd

Clarence Eugene Byrd (known to those he loved as Gene, JaBeanie and Pig), was born on November 29, 1941 in Tallapoosa, Georgia, to Charles and Precious Byrd who preceded him in death.

He was the eldest of 10 children.  In the early 40’s, Charles and Precious moved their family to Cleveland, Ohio.  Gene was educated through the Cleveland Public School system, but graduated from Thomas Edison High School.  He then proceeded his journey in the U.S. Army on April 25, 1960 and was honorably discharged on April 30, 1962.

Gene was a lover of life.  He had a passion for fishing and talking.  (Boy!!!) He had a love for shining shoes and restoring them.  The name of his business was “Just What you been looking For, Stupid Shoe Shine) LOL

In the early 50’s, Gene and 5 of his friends stared a music group called “The Springer”.  Three of the top tunes were recorded “I Know Why, I know Why” and “I Know My Baby”.  Their songs was played on the radio station worldwide.  John Brown and NaNe-Ba Johnson, just to name a few, sung with him during this lifetime.  All of the original members preceded him in death.

Gene was the life of the party.  He never missed a family reunion or a family function.  Gene loved the Lord and joined the Greater St. Joseph B. Church under the late Reverend Wilson D. Armstrong.  He claimed he was a walking minister just running.  His main saying was “You Know What This Is, I Don’t Either But Here It Comes Again”.

Gene was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Ann Byrd; one brother, Anthony Moreen (Tony); one niece, Donimmica Byrd, and one nephew, Jeffrey Byrd, Jr.

Gene was the father of three daughters; Brenette Byrd, who preceded him in death, twins, Karen and Karleen Stewart, both of Cleveland, Ohio; eight grandkids: Kenyell, Cierra, Julius, Patrick, Brittany, Pierre, Lukia, and Donatha, and great grandchildren: Parker, Bryae, Loyalty, Masen, and Lauren.

Gene leaves to cherish his memory, four sisters; Charlotte (David deceased) Byrd Gulley, Diane Williamson-Byrd, Zeretia (Willie) Higgins, Majeeda (Enoch) Alamin; three brothers, Bilal (Christine) Byrd, Charles (Nell) Byrd, Jr., and Jeffrey (Pam) Byrd; one aunt, Ruby Hill; two God sisters/cousins, Louvonia McDaniel and Jessie M. Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence Eugene Byrd, please visit our floral store.