Obituary of Wilfred J. Tyree, Sr.

Wilfred Junius Tyree, Sr. was born to Curtis and Betty Hall Tyree on March 21, 1927 in Richmond, Virginia. He was educated at Samuel Gompers Vocational High School in Bronx, New York. However, Wilfred couldn't complete school at that time due to being drafted into the United States Army on November 1, 1945 and was honorably discharged on June 6, 1947 receiving the World War II Victory Medal. While in the military he specialized in Radio Operation. He received his GED on October 31, 1960 in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age Wilfred joined Fauquier Baptist Church in Goochland, Virginia. While living and working in Richmond, Virginia, he met and married Cora M. Pollard on September 26, 1949 and from this union six children were born. Later in life he moved to Cartersville, VA where he married Edna Matthews and from this union three children were born. During this time he joined the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he became a minister under the leadership of Rev. Robert Parrish. Wilfred pastored Brook Road Baptist Church/Southside on Everett Street, Richmond, Virginia for several years. In his later years he joined the Jehovah Witness faith. Wilfred was affectionately called "Tyree" by family, friends and former co-workers. Tyree was a hardworking man that provided for his family. He retired from United States Postal Service as a mail carrier and from Cumberland County Public Schools as a bus driver. He was a disciplinarian; he was hard but fair. He loved kids. Tyree never left home without a hat and neck tie. Tyree had a passion for fixing electronics. That's how he got the name "Mr. Fix It" and that was the name of his shop. He enjoyed fellowshipping over good food. Wilfred had a wealth of knowledge and he knew the law which he expressed freely. He took great pride in making gadgets and he would put a lock on anything. On Thursday, July 30, 2015 in Fluvanna, Virginia he won the battle over sickness and entered into rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Cynthya Tyree Smith, grandson, Carlton D. Smith, Jr. and a sister, Geraldine Smith. He leaves to carry on his life and legacy; six sons, Wilfred Tyree, Jr. (Robin), William Curtis Tyree, Kevin Tyree (Barbara), Howard Carlton Tyree, Conrad Tyree (Eurika) and Preston Tyree (Melody); two daughters, Karen Brockenbrough (James, Sr.) and Shirlene Tyree; one stepson, Wayne Matthews; twenty-five grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Velma Borden and Virginia Smith along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.