Byrd Prillerman Ii

Byrd Allen Prillerman , II passed away Friday, June 14, 2013 at his residence in Columbus, Ohio, surrounding by his loving family. He was up in 1923 in Institute, West Virginia, and the second of six children to Delbert Prillerman, Sr. and Amelia B. (Cook) Prillerman who preceded him in death. He was raised in Bluefield, West Virginia.

The family moved to Columbus, Ohio when Byrd was 15 years old. His parents found a church home at Bethany Presbyterian Church on N. Garfield Ave., were he was a member for over 65 years. Byrd graduated from East High School in 1941. Three years later he met and fell in love with Mary C. Grant. They married in 1944.

Byrd was employed at Rockwell International. Soon after his retirement of 35 years at Rockwell, he took on the challenge of General Electric were he also retired after 10 years. Byrd’s interest was many and varied. He played semi-professional football for 740 in the 1940’s. Byrd also pitched horse shoes for North American and won numerous trophies.

Byrd and his wife travelled extensively from the east coast to the west coast and in between. No matter where they travelled there was always a week or two in Canada, were they loved to fish. Byrd travelled to West Virginia every year in November to hunt deer and spend time with his good friend, Manuel Radcliff.

Byrd loved and collected various types of music. He went to jazz festivals and concerts, where he saw artist like Sarah Vaughn, Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, and Kem. He dabbled in photography and had some of his beautiful pictures framed. In his mid 50’s he took up jogging and in his early 70’s ran in a marathon for senior citizens.

Byrd and Mary lived in Burnside Heights for 15 years. They moved to the Hilltop in 1963 where he was very active in the community. He was one of the founders of the Hilltop Reunion Committee; he was an active member until his illness. He founded Music on the Hill, which provided free music and entertainment fort the City of Columbus. Artist like Willie Pooch, Simba Jordan, The Triedstone Male Chorus, and the Triedstone Mimes were among the entertainers.

Byrd was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 57 years Mary Catherine (Grant) Prillerman; daughter Nancy Yvette Jones, brothers; Franklyn Devon Prillerman, Lawerence Prillerman and William Prillerman; grandson Larry LaShawn Hylton and son-in-law John Jordan..

Byrd is survived by his brother, Delbert Prillerman, Jr.; his sister, Amelia Phillips; three sister-in-laws, Maureen, Delores, and Margarite; four children; Katherine (Robert) Dodley, Carmen Jordan, Byrd A. (Linda) Prillerman, III, and Toni (Ronald) Booker. 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family writes: “he was our father, mentor and our guide. He was our frame of reference. Daddy inspired us deeply and we will miss him dearly.