Clifford Tyree Sr

Clifford A. Tyree, peacefully departed this life August 3, 2011, at the age of 85. Mr. Tyree, the sixth and youngest child, of the late Edward and Bertie Tyree, was born in Columbus, Ohio and spent many of his formative years in Chillicothe, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mrs. Gertrude E. Tyree; a devoted son, Clifford A. Tyree, Jr., of Avondale Estates, Georgia; a large host of nieces and nephews; and a unique extended family of close friends. After graduation from Chillicothe High School and The Ohio State University, where he was a proud member of Kappa Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Cliff embarked on a remarkable journey through life that enabled him to positively impact the lives of numerous individuals. In recognition of his exemplary and distinguished service to the Columbus community, Ohio Dominican University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Cliff was employed at the Franklin County Juvenile Court, for 15 years in various positions ranging from Probation Officer to the Director of Delinquency Department. During his years there, he, along with his son, Clifford, appeared in several episodes of the WBNS TV court program, “The Judge”. Interestingly, Cliff’s desire to right societal wrongs started early in his career, for when he commenced working at the Juvenile Court, case load assignments were based on race. So, with the collaboration and support of his friend and colleague, Charles McMurray, the two successfully endeavored to eliminate discriminatory practices at the court. In the mid-1960s, Cliff’s keen interest in community organizing and local politics, culminated in a run for a Columbus City Council seat and later, an appointment to Mayor M. E. Sensenbrenner’s cabinet, as Director of Community Relations. While a member of the mayor’s cabinet, Cliff met and engaged many political figures and entertainers such as James Brown, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, Hodding Carter, Walter Reuther, James Rhodes, and Robert Kennedy. Cliff established the Youth Services Bureauin 1973, where he served as Director for 11 years. One of the key highlights of his tenure in that position was a visit to the White House as a guest of President Gerald Ford. Although Cliff officially retired from city service in 1984, he did not retire from public service. He continued to direct his efforts and resources to address acute concerns in the areas of juvenile justice, civil rights, and education. Hence, he focused his attention on initiatives such as the UNCF Walk-a-thon, I Know I Can Program, Piney Woods Life School (one of two black boarding schools in the US), Denison Tyree Scholars, Capital City Classic Football game, FACE Celebrity Chefs annual event, The Columbus Foundation, Ohio Wesleyan Upward Bound, Denison University, Board of Trustees, Columbus King Center, Big Brothers of America, and numerous state and local commissions. Cliff was indeed blessed with an abundance of talent and abilities. Two of the principal ones were public speaking, and fundraising. In the course of his professional career, he spoke before over 400 separate audiences, and personally assisted with raising over 3.5 million dollars for various charities and causes of his choice. Beyond his community sharing, Cliff generously gave his time and talents to his local church, St. Philip’s Lutheran, and national service to his religious denomination, the American Lutheran Church. As a member of the national church council, Cliff became the first African- American to hold a national leadership position in the Lutheran Church. In sum, Cliff worked directly with over 60 organizations and boards that addressed community and faith related issues. Due to his tireless and selfless efforts on behalf of others, Clifford Tyree, was the recipient of over 120 awards and commendations including the Jefferson Award(double recipient), Columbus Public Library, Julian Sinclair Smith Learning Award, OSU Distinguished Alumnus Award, Urban League Award of Excellence, Sertoma Award, League of Women Voters Award, Governor’s Award for Service, MLK Humanitarian Award, commencement speaker, Ohio Dominican University, Columbus Dispatch Person of the Year Service Award, OSU Community Service Award, MACC Living Faith Award, 1996 Olympic Torch Bearer, Urban League Award of Excellence, Columbus Public Schools Golden Rule Award,and the Center for Urban Progress Elders Award. Clifford Tyree, and his wife, Gertrude, over the years, have opened their home to hundreds of children who call them “dad” and “mom” or “aunt” and “uncle”. Miraculously, Cliff accomplished in a single lifetime, several lifetimes of highly effective and beneficial service to his fellow man. He leaves behind a legacy of inestimable qualitative value that truly embodies the Christian values of caring, concern, and giving. Clifford A. Tyree,will be sincerely missed and remembered by many.