Appeal for classic cars to join south Essex funeral convoy

David Byron, 45, recently lost his dad, Dave Byron, 67, following a battle with lung disease on October 23. 

Dave worked across south Essex as a mental health support worker and was known as a “bit of a character” for his love of comic books and superheroes.

The Stanford-le-Hope resident, who was a regular at Pitsea Market where he indulged in his passion for collectibles, will be laid to rest on November 15. 

Comic lover - Dave Byron (Image: David Byron)

David and his sister have already arranged for 15 classic and movie-themed cars to form a convoy, but are hoping to double that number. 

David said: “This is for our dad, he was just always into classic cars and big American cars and he used to go to all the shows and he took me as a kid.

“He had a crazy car collection, he used to have a big mancave with superheroes and cars and he was madly into Spiderman and Batman, he was a bit of a character, and kids used to know him from Pitsea Market.”
 

Car enthusiast - Dave at a car show (Image: David Byron)
The funeral, according to Dave’s wishes, will not be in suits and attendees will be wearing bright and colourful superhero T-shirts – with Dave to be cremated in his favourite marvel T-shirt.

David added: “We are bringing joy to the area. When we spoke to him about what he wanted, he said ‘I don’t want anyone wearing a suit’, he never wore a suit in his life.

“He had such a great effect on people, not a bad word has been said about him and he was remembered as such a smashing guy. We are doing this for him.

“We want to see as many cars there as possible.”

Currently the convoy has 15 cars confirmed including Kitt from Knightrider, Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and various American truck and mustangs.

The convoy will travel from West and Coe funeral directors in Grays at around 11.45 – driving to Pitsea Crematorium for 12.30pm.