Clad Preston Byrd, Jr. was born on December 26, 1939 to the proud parents Clad Byrd (deceased) and Gettys G. Holcomb-Byrd, in Inman, South Carolina.  Clad Jr. fondly known as “Baby Ray”, entered into eternal rest on November 9, 2016 at Staten Island University Hospital with his loving wife, Nan, by his side.  

At an early age, Clad was baptized at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, formally known as Cross Roads.  As a young boy, Clad was always eager to find work and was not picky about he did.  He just wanted to stay busy and make money. From shining shoes at the local barber shop and picking peaches at the local orchard to picking cotton in a cotton patch, Clad worked extremely hard to contribute to his household.

Upon graduating from Bethune High School, Clad migrated to Brooklyn, NY.  He found employment at Paulist Fathers, Singer Sewing Center and National/One Source Cleaning Company where he retired from after 38 years of employment. In the late 1970s, Clad moved to and settled in Staten Island. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Nan Pickett, on September 9, 1992. They have been married for twenty-four blissful years until the time of his death.

Clad loved the Lord and had no problem preaching the gospel. Soon after joining Fellowship Baptist Church, Clad rolled up his sleeves and began working diligently in the church.  He was ordained as a Deacon along with his wife, Nan, in 2004. Deacon Byrd served God faithfully and fiercely. His work did not stop with the Diaconate Ministry. He passionately served as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry and sang with the Male Chorus. Recognizing the special needs of men in ministry, he co-founded the Staten Island Men’s Ministry.  Deacon Byrd was a regular member of Sunday School and Bible Study until his health limited his serving activity.

His favorite song was “Certainly Lord” and leading this song gave him great joy and pleasure.  He also enjoyed reciting poems, scriptures and studying the word of God. The in-depth study of God’s word made Clad happy and was rewarding to his soul. Deacon Byrd always embraced others and expressed his love for the younger generations wherever he went. He extended his love to younger family members and would always impart wisdom. His words were always compassionate but firm. When you spoke with “Uncle Ray” you never forgot what he said. His spirit will be greatly missed...there will never be another Clad Byrd. 

Deacon Byrd leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife Nan Byrd; his mother, Mrs. Gettys G. Byrd, New Castle DE; daughter, Teresa Byrd, Queens NY; two sisters: Janie Mae Byrd-Abram, New Castle, DE and Gelila L. Shepard, (Charles) Englewood, NJ; one brother, James Winston Byrd (Sylvia Diane Byrd), Staten Island, NY; three Grandchildren: Octavia Byrd, Sha-wan Byrd (Nicole), Ebony Pearley; seven Great Grandchildren: Gregory Hills, Kihry Hills, Roderick Padgett, Amoni Byrd, Rayven Byrd, Misa Bussey, and Chance Bussey; Sister-In-Law, Weeder Landrum, Charlotte NC; Brother-In-Law, Wilton Pickett (Rosa) Charlotte, NC. and a host Nieces, Nephews, Uncles, Aunts and Friends.