'A true legend among traveller people': Funeral for iconic Black Country traveller takes place tomorrow

A massive funeral is expected to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, April 22) starting from Cleese Park Caravan Site in Walsall.

At the site it is expected thousands from the traveller community are expected to arrive to pay their respects, there will also be a horse-drawn carriage.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at The Life and Light Christian Centre in Willenhall. Clee will then be buried at 2pm the same day.

Hubert Clee, a former general dealer in Walsall passed away two weeks ago at home at Cleese Caravan Park Site.

He was known for being a Christian missionary who travelled across the world, and was regarded as a ‘legend’ for those in the traveller community,

The funeral is to honour the life of Hubert Clee who died aged 89, and was a respected figure in the traveller community, having grown up in the Black Country all his life.

Clee was known as a born-again Christian, and had been ‘absolutely everywhere’ to open up churches for those with a traveller background, according to his son Hubert Clee Jr.

Hubert Clee is survived by his four children and leaves behind 96 grandchildren and great-grand children.

His son said: “Daddy was a true legend among gypsy and traveller people. He was a born-again Christian who worked all over and he was a very good man.

“He was a legend among gypsy people. Everyone knew him and everyone had respect for him. He kept law and order among gypsy people. He was a good man.”

The news sent shockwaves among many in the local community.

One Facebook user, Mick Davidson said: “Just read the sad news of the passing away of a fine gentleman Hubert Clee. A respected man in the traveling community and A Christian. Always met him at the fairs Stow fair Appleby fair with his very good friend and friend of mine Peter Watton Sending my Deepest Sympathy to All family members and friends God Bless him..So sorry Amen.”

Similarly, his son-in-law, Andrew Jones New wrote: “My good old father in law Hubert Clee has gone home to be with the lord absence from the body presence with the Lord.”