Ulisha Byrd
November 11, 1934 ~ January 26, 2016
Ulisha passed peacefully from this life on January 26, 2016 after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Ulisha was born on November 11, 1934. He was raised by his mother, Lillie Mae Wilson Hodge and Step-father, Quinton Hodge in Doak Springs, Texas
On September 3, 1955, Ulisha Byrd married Miss Lillie Baker in Lexington, Texas. To this union eight children were born. Early in his life, Ulisha worked in commercial construction. He helped build the iconic Hemisphere Plaza. In 1970, Ulisha moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he continued to work in the construction industry. He also opened a neighborhood candy store that he owned and operated for over 25 years. He was affectionagely known around the neighborhood as the "Candy Man."
Ulisha is survived by Lillie Byrd and seven children and their spouses: Ulisha (Grace) Byrd, Cynthia Starr, David Byrd, Darlene (Greg) Davis, Lisa (Michael) Smith, Barbara (Joe) Campbell, Sarah (Richard) Ramsey; thirteen grandchildren and their spouses; Tylane (Joshua), Lamar (LaShawn), Cynthia (Allen), LaTosha, Ebony, Gregory (Valentia), Tamber, Phillip (Dominique), Lorenzo, Desiree (Anthony), Richard (Kelly), Carlton (Brittany), Samarra and twenty six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Mae wilson Hodge; father, Ulisha Byrd, Sr.; Step-father, Quinton Hodge; son, Carlton Byrd; siblings, Lee Edward Byrd, Sr., JQ Hodge, Willie Hodge, Sr., Barbara Hodge, James Hodge and Bennie T. Whitaker.
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It deeply saddened me when i learned Uncle Shankum (i dont know the true spelling), however he had been on my mind, but like we tend to do we put things off. The reality is my father would be ashamed of me for not taking the initiative to go and see his brother. Dad always preached family to all of us, and so to not exercise that same energy I hang my head. Enough of beating myself up. I have a funny story of how Uncle Shankum was around me and I didn’t even know it. I was hanging out with some friends, and this young man from Tulsa had not long moved to Austin, and we got to talking and I told him that I had some family in Tulsa. He proceeded to ask me, who? I told him my uncle, and he said what was his name I told him Shakum and he owned a store, and the young man immediately said we call him the Candy Man, and in that moment I was proud to be apart of someone so positive, and that young man went on and on about Uncle Shankum “the Candy Man”. He will be sorely missed as they all are sorely missed, but he is in a better place, and he is at real peace.
To the Byrd Family
You all have my deepest sympathy and condolence in the loss of your Love One. “Continue to look to the hills for help, help always comes from the lord”. i will continue to pray for healing for the entire family.
You will get comfort from this scripture “John 14.
Julia(Faye)County-Dorsey
The Byrd Family
May God bless and kept you all at this time during your loss.
Stay Strong and let God carry your grief. Be Blessed!!!!
Charles&Greta Nation(County)
God bless the family