Charles L. Byrdsong

Charles Lee Byrdsong, fondly known as “Charlie,” was born to Wylie Birdsong and Arlena Birdsong on April 14, 1938, in Randolph, Alabama. Charles found love and was married to Carolyn M. Byrdsong.

Charles was very passionate about trucking and was employed by Fireproof Allied Van Lines as on “over the road” truck driver for well over 40 years and up until his retirement from the industry.  There are a few unknown facts about Charles. He was the first African-American truck driver to navigate his “rig” across the continental United States and proudly visited all 48 states. He also assisted in the offloading of a preserved mummy that arrived from England in 1976.  Charles was not only responsible for receiving and handling the artifact, but also delivering it directly to the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, Ohio, where it currently lies in state.

He had a love for playing one of his many guitars and harmonica.  He also had a love for old fashioned gospel music and you could catch him at any time listening to his favorite quartet, “The Five
Blind Boys of Alabama.” For many years, he faithfully volunteered at a local food pantry. He was truly a servant to God’s people by serving and delivering meals and/or food to his neighbors and various communities in Columbus. He had a heart of gold and wanted to make certain that no one was without a need. When he was not a servant, he, along with his “buddies,” could be found at his  favorite place, White Castle on 2nd Avenue and High Street.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Byrdsong; grandson, William Roberts Byrdsong; parents Wylie and Arlena Birdsong; sisters, Beulah Patterson, Virginia Heard, Louise Johnson, Mary
Hardnette, and Jean Turner; and brothers, Lawrence Byrdsong, Jerry Birdsong, Jack Birdsong, and Joe Birdsong.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory: his daughters, Carletta (Jeremiah) Byrdsong, Charlene “Toy” (Darrell) Osborne, Charletta (Saad) Byrdsong, and Charlanda (Keith) Byrdsong; grandchildren, Renesea Byrdsong, Giovanni Byrdsong, Tajee Byrdsong, Travis Byrdsong, Wesley Powers, Keith Brown, Kaymionna Wade, and K’Vion Wade; brothers, Tommy (Loraine) Birdsong of Trotwood, Ohio, Raymond (Julia) Birdsong of Trotwood, Ohio, and Jimmy (Lynn) Byrdsong of Roanoke, Alabama; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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