Barry Clemens

Barry (who preferred to go by his middle name) was the oldest son of Doctor John Ewart Clemens and Ruth Barry Clemens. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Vivian Williams Clemens, son Justin Barry Clemens (Nicole), daughter Jennifer Barrie Thorne (Ron) and youngest son Matthew Armand Clemens (Melody), grandchildren Tia, Kai, and Luke Clemens, Eva and Ethan Thorne, Pam and Bia Swingos and Kobe and Casoria Clemens. Barry is also survived by his younger brother, William Clemens of Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was predeceased by his youngest brother, Robert Clemens (Becky).

Barry was fortunate to have lived an amazing life that was filled with the camaraderie of sports' friends, college and high school friends, business associate friends and his family of client friends who have grieved along with us since his passing. He was dearly loved by his nine grandchildren in whom he instilled not only the love of sports but also the love of reading. An avid reader, Barry was always eager to discuss with friends and grandchildren the latest novels they had read.

Although he will be remembered for his 11 year career in the NBA, his friends will remember him for his fiercely competitive mentality, his generosity and his keen intellect.

Barry grew up in Xenia, Ohio in a pre-Civil War home that his father purchased with the idea that it was good to teach his sons to work. The home included 200 acres and the young boys soon learned to clean the barn, care for the horses, run the tractors and stories of baling hay are legendary as they were eight to ten hour grueling work days. In addition, there were endless lists of chores that had to be done after school and on weekends.

Gradually, Doc Clemens converted the old house into a southern style home with a pool, shuffleboard court and a full-sized basketball court so that Barry no longer had to shoot at an old rim hanging from the barn door. This also allowed for local players to gather at his court for fiercely competitive one on one games. In addition, the Clemens' Farm was a stone's throw from Wilberforce University and Central State University so if Barry was not playing on his home court, he could be found there.

Always a serious student, Barry had fond memories of attending a one room school house. However, his lifelong battle with a speech impediment deeply affected his life, particularly his early childhood where there was question of whether he would be able to attend grade school. His mother worked tirelessly to help him learn to speak. One drill was reciting the alphabet backwards and as an adult, Barry would enjoy reciting it (backwards) at rapid fire speed much to the amazement of his grandchildren and friends.

In his senior year in high school, Barry begged his Spanish teacher to give him a B so that he would not be valedictorian as the thought of giving the graduation speech was too overwhelming. He gladly settled for salutatorian. However, during his NBA days, he would force himself to accept guest appearances on sports talk shows or live appearances at various events. Even though he struggled with speech, he was determined to talk.

At Xenia High School Barry was a 3-sport athlete in basketball, track & cross-country, but he is most remembered for leading his high school basketball team to a 64-5 record during his 3 seasons as a starter.

A remarkable career followed at Ohio Wesleyan where he left scoring records that were not broken until well after the 3 point shot was introduced.

Barry's 11 year NBA career began in 1965 when he was drafted 19th overall by the New York Knicks.

After his first season, he was put into the expansion draft and taken by the newly created Chicago Bulls. At that time, there were only nine teams in the NBA. After three seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Seattle Supersonics, and after three seasons in Seattle, Barry was traded with Lenny Wilkens to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Barry's last season in the NBA was with the Portland Trailblazers. Unfortunately, his final season was marred by serious illness, but he was able to come back and contribute to the second half of his 11th and last season in the NBA.

Following his retirement from the NBA, Barry and family returned to Cleveland where he eventually thrived working as a financial advisor, bonding with his many wonderful clients and their families. He found great satisfaction in coaching, running youth camps and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up.

He stayed active for years playing in leagues at the Lakewood YMCA, Kensington Court and elsewhere, traveling the world to compete in tournaments, and later embraced tennis — a sport that kept him engaged, competitive, and connected with friends right up to the end.

As Barry requested, a celebration of life will take place at his all-time favorite hangout, the Bourbon Street Barrel Room, at 2393 Professor Ave, in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland Ohio.

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, November 24th, from the hours of 3pm to 8pm. Parking is graciously being provided by St. John Cantius Church from 3pm to 8pm. (The church lot can be entered from both Professor Ave or West 10th Street). Additionally, the Jefferson Library on Jefferson Ave, has kindly offered to open its lot after 6pm. Also, street parking anywhere in the neighborhood is free.

Our deepest thanks goes out to the amazing staff at Fairview Hospital who graced Barry and his family with their loving care and to Dr. James Hekman for his unfaltering support and to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Cleveland Clinic who gave so unselfishly of their time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry's memory may be made to the Lakewood, Ohio YMCA.

YMCA of Greater Cleveland

1501 Euclid Ave Ste 800

Cleveland, OH 44115

Online: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcaofgreatercleveland

Branch: Lakewood Family (please dedicate the gift in memory of Barry)