Clarence Ray Barksdale

Faison- Mr. Clarence Barksdale,74, was born on July 19, 1951, in Sampson County, North Carolina, to the late Lillie Mae and Fred Barksdale. On February 9, 2026, he transitioned from this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of joy, strength, and unforgettable presence.

He was educated in the Duplin County Public School System and was a proud member of the Douglas High School Class of 1969. Committed to furthering his education, he attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Known in the South as “Pig” and in the North as “CB,” one thing was certain — if you didn’t know him personally, you’d better call him Mr. Barksdale.

At an early age, Mr. Barksdale joined Moses Chapel, where he faithfully attended alongside his beloved grandmother, the late Ms. Atelia Faison. There, he served proudly on the Junior Usher Board and in the Sunday School Department, laying the spiritual foundation that would guide his life.

As a youth, he enjoyed spending summers in Philadelphia with family — a city that would later become home. After completing his education, he relocated to Philadelphia with his wife, Gladys. What began as a part-time summer job at Hahnemann University Hospital grew into a supervisory career marked by determination, perseverance, and excellence.

Later settling in New Jersey, he and his wife built a loving home and welcomed two daughters, Dr. LaGondia Barksdale Tyler and Ms. Rasheka Barksdale, and a son, Mr. Jose Maldonado. Affectionately known as “Unc” to the Barksdale Boys and many other young men who gravitated toward his wisdom and strength, Mr. Clarence was a pillar, a mentor, and a friend.

He will always be remembered for his generosity, infectious laugh, sharp fashion sense, unwavering loyalty, and bold personality. He lived life out loud — driving with style, dressing with flair, dancing without hesitation, playing cards with confidence, and always talking a little “stuff” along the way. To know him was to experience joy, wisdom, kindness, and a man who truly appreciated the gift of life.

His love and legacy will forever be cherished by his daughters, Dr. LaGondia Barksdale Tyler, Ms. Rasheka Barksdale, and his son, Mr. Jose Maldonado of New Jersey; his granddaughter, Dashamira Barksdale of New Jersey; grandsons, Christopher Barksdale of Maryland, Jibril Barksdale of Hawaii and Devon Tyler of Maryland; and great-grandchildren, Kennedi Davis, Kannon Davis of New Jersey and Amari Barksdale of Maryland. He also leaves behind a loving aunt, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends whose lives were profoundly touched by his presence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 14 years, Mrs. Bernice Barksdale; his brothers, Jesse and Charles Barksdale and his beloved nephew... Erik Barksdale — who no doubt greeted him at the gates saying, “C’mon, Unc.”

Today we do not simply mourn — we celebrate. We celebrate a man who showed up boldly, loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived fully. His voice may be quiet now, but his stories will echo for generations.

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