Windsor Obituary: Clyde Billington, Jr., 83

Clyde Mark Billington, Jr. of Windsor, formerly of Hartford, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospital on April 2, 2018.

Clyde was born in Hartford on August 29,1934 to Clyde, Sr. and Annie (Spann) Billington. He was married to the late Malora W. Billington for 55 years and together they raised their children in Hartford.

As a young man Clyde matriculated at Weaver High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. Following college, he served in the Chemical Corps branch of the United States Army. Clyde then began his career at Pratt and Whitney as a Chemist.

While Clyde enjoyed his work as a chemist, he had a greater calling as an entrepreneur and founded Clyde Billington Jr. Real Estate in 1965. As one of the first black real estate brokers in the state of Connecticut, Clyde established himself as one of Hartford’s most successful businessmen and sought to focus his efforts on improving many communities throughout the city of Hartford. His entrepreneurship extended to owning and operating Liquor Merchants Ltd., Liquor Merchants Ltd. V, and Wine Merchants Ltd. for a number of years.

Through Clyde’s work in the community, he developed a passion for taking action to advance many initiatives for the advancement of Hartford’s cultured and diverse communities. His life’s work shifted toward politics and Clyde was elected Connecticut’s 7th District State Representative and served for 10 years.

Under his leadership he formed and chaired the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus in 1976 which promoted the growth of minority owned businesses and worked to expand economic and educational opportunities in our communities. Clyde was one of many who worked on introducing the bill to make the late Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday a holiday in Connecticut. Clyde also served as a superdelegate for the Democratic National Party in 1976 when former President Jimmy Carter was nominated.

While Clyde’s business and political career was filled with many accomplishments and contributions, he loved teaching his children the value of a good work ethic and instilled in them the principles of working to achieve what they wanted in life. Clyde’s work was his passion but he made it a point to enjoy the fruits of his labor and enjoyed many vacations with the children throughout his life.

Clyde’s competitive nature often led him into many good debates with his wife Malora as well as countless games of Monopoly, Gin and Bid Whist with his children and grandchildren. Clyde enjoyed deep sea fishing and loved gardening at his home. He also loved to make the most delicious pancakes for his grandchildren when they visited. Clyde would always enjoy conversations about family history during the many family reunions he would attend.

Some of Clyde’s many accomplishments and contributions include: Receiving the Unsung Hero Award in 2001 by the Revitalization Zone Organization; a civil rights award in 1977 on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus for outstanding leadership as a positive role model for blacks in politics; President of the West Point Parent’s Association, and serving on the Board of Trustees at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

Clyde is predeceased by his loving wife Malora Billington, parents Clyde and Annie Billington, his brother Donald Billington and his son-in-law Dallas Anderson. He is survived by his children Desarie Wright of Windsor; Ishmael Wright of Maryland; Clyde M. Billington III and his wife Felicita of Hartford; Christal Anderson of Hartford; Courtney L. Billington Sr. and his wife Lisa of New Jersey; as well as his sister Dorothy Billington. Known as Poppop, he will be missed by his 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Visitation services for Clyde will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave Windsor. Homegoing services will be held at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 2 F D Oates Ave, Hartford, at 10:00 am with interment immediately following at Mt. St. Benedict’s Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield.